ATI LPN
Psychiatric Nursing: Contemporary Practice 6th Edition
Chapter 21 : Suicide Prevention: Screening, Assessment, and Intervention Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse determines that a patient is at imminent risk for suicide. Which of the following would be least appropriate to include in the patient?s plan of care?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Strict activity restriction (
C) is least appropriate for a patient at imminent suicide risk unless there is an immediate safety threat requiring such measures. Listening (
A), validating feelings (
B), and cognitive interventions (
D) are therapeutic and supportive, aligning with best practices for managing suicidal patients.
Question 2 of 5
A patient who has attempted suicide has an underlying diagnosis of depression. Which of the following would the nurse anticipate being ordered for the patient?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (
A) are first-line treatments for depression due to their efficacy and favorable side-effect profile. Mood stabilizers (
B) are used for bipolar disorder, tricyclic antidepressants (
C) are less commonly used due to side effects, and atypical antipsychotics (
D) are not primary treatments for depression.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is working with a patient who will be signing a commitment to treatment statement. After teaching the patient about this statement, the nurse determines the need for additional instruction when the patient states which of the following?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A commitment to treatment statement is a collaborative agreement to engage in treatment and seek help, not a promise not to commit suicide (
A), which is unrealistic and oversimplifies the patient?s responsibility. Options B, C, and D accurately reflect components of such a statement.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is performing an assessment of a patient with suicidal ideation. Which question would the nurse most likely ask to determine the degree of planning?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Asking if the patient could stop themselves from killing themselves (
C) directly assesses the degree of control and planning, indicating the specificity of their suicidal intent. Other options (A, B,
D) provide related information but do not specifically address the plan?s feasibility.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse determines that a patient has poor social skills that have interfered with his ability to engage others, which has contributed to his feelings of purposelessness, hopelessness, and withdrawal. Which of the following would be most important to assist the patient in beginning to social skills?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The nurse-patient relationship (
C) provides a safe, therapeutic environment to model and practice social skills, addressing the patient?s isolation and hopelessness. Self-help (
A) and recovery groups (
B) are beneficial but less individualized, while limit setting (
D) is unrelated to social skill development.