ATI LPN
Test Bank for Psychiatric Nursing: Contemporary Practice
Chapter 21 Questions
Question 1 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 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
After teaching a class about factors that enhance the risk of suicide, the instructor determines the need for additional teaching when the class identifies which of the following?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Cautiousness (
B) is not a recognized risk factor for suicide; it may even be protective by reducing impulsivity. Family history of suicide (
A), delusions (
C), and loss (
D) are established risk factors, as they contribute to genetic predisposition, altered thinking, and emotional distress, respectively.
Question 4 of 5
A family member of an adolescent who has expressed a desire to commit suicide asks the nurse, What might predict the possibility of future suicide attempts? Which of the following would the nurse include in the response?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A previous suicide attempt is the strongest predictor of future suicide attempts, as it indicates a history of engaging in life-threatening behavior and suggests persistent suicidal ideation or unresolved risk factors. While unemployment (
A), death of a spouse (
B), and polydrug use (
D) are risk factors, they are less specific predictors compared to a documented prior attempt.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is reviewing the medical records of several patients diagnosed with major depression. The nurse identifies which patient as least likely to commit suicide?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Social support, particularly from a stable marital relationship, is a protective factor against suicide. A married man (
D) is likely to have more social and emotional support, reducing suicide risk compared to those who are divorced (
A), widowed (
B), or single (
C), who may experience greater isolation or loss, increasing vulnerability to suicidal behavior in the context of major depression.