ATI LPN
Psychiatric Nursing: Contemporary Practice 6th Edition
Chapter 21 : Suicide Prevention: Screening, Assessment, and Intervention Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is caring for a 30-year-old white man whose wife has recently died. The patient has been diagnosed with clinical depression and is demonstrating insufficient coping skills. Which action by the nurse would be most important?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Given the recent loss and diagnosis of clinical depression, assessing for suicidal ideation (
D) is the most critical action to ensure patient safety, as loss and depression are significant suicide risk factors. Psychotherapy referral (
A) is important but not immediate. Assessing for psychosis (
B) or family history (
C) is relevant but secondary to suicide risk assessment.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is providing a presentation for a group of health professionals about suicide. Which of the following would the nurse address as a major contributing factor to the rising suicide rate among men?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Substance abuse (
A) is a major contributing factor to the rising suicide rate among men, as it exacerbates mental health issues, impairs judgment, and increases impulsivity, all of which heighten suicide risk. Media influences (
B), lack of conflict resolution skills (
C), and parenting practices (
D) may contribute indirectly but are less significant compared to substance abuse.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse has just completed a suicide risk assessment of a 76-year-old widowed man. In addition to documenting the presence or absence of suicidal thoughts, plan, and means, the nurse would also document which of the following?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Documenting the availability of support resources (
C) is essential in a suicide risk assessment, as social support is a key protective factor that can mitigate risk. Substance use (
A), speech patterns (
B), and sleep (
D) may be relevant but are less directly tied to risk assessment compared to support resources.
Question 4 of 5
A patient was admitted to the psychiatric unit 3 days ago because of suicidal ideation. His suicidal risk has lessened considerably, and he currently denies having any desire to kill himself. In addition, he is able to identify reasons why he wants to be alive. Which nursing intervention would be most appropriate at this time?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Since the patient?s risk has decreased and he is identifying reasons to live, developing a personal plan for managing suicidal thoughts (
B) is appropriate to empower him and prevent future crises. Constant supervision (
A) is unnecessary given the reduced risk. Electroconvulsive therapy (
C) is not indicated without severe, treatment-resistant depression. Decreasing serotonin (
D) would worsen depression.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is presenting a discussion for a local community group about suicide. Which comment from an audience member indicates the need to clarify the information?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The comment that suicides more often occur during the holiday seasons (
C) is a common myth. Research shows no consistent increase in suicides during holidays; risk is more tied to individual factors. The other comments (A, B,
D) are accurate: warning signs are common, suicidal individuals are often ambivalent, and suicide talk must be taken seriously.