Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A nurse is making a home visit for a 16-year old adolescent who attempted suicide. Which of the following behaviors should alert the nurse that the adolescent still has suicidal intent?
A. Stating that he wants to be with his peers more than with his parents.
Wanting to spend time with peers is not inherently indicative of continued suicidal intent. Adolescents often seek social connections, and while this behavior should be monitored, it is not a specific indicator of ongoing suicidal ideation.
B. Telling his parents that he doesn't want to talk about the suicide attempt.
While reluctance to discuss the event can be a concern, it doesn't automatically translate to continued suicidal thoughts.
C. Preferring to eat his meals while watching TV.
Preferring to eat meals while watching TV is a relatively common behavior and does not directly correlate with suicidal intent. While changes in behavior should be noted, this alone is not a strong indicator of continued risk.
D. Planning to give his CD collection to his girlfriend.
Giving away prized possessions, especially to loved ones, can sometimes be a sign of hopelessness or finality associated with suicidal ideation. It suggests the adolescent may be putting their affairs in order.
This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - ATI Custom Psych Nursing Spring 2023 Proctored Exam 3. Take the full exam now
Full Explanation
A-Wanting to spend time with peers is not inherently indicative of continued suicidal intent. Adolescents often seek social connections, and while this behavior should be monitored, it is not a specific indicator of ongoing suicidal ideation.
B-While reluctance to discuss the event can be a concern, it doesn't automatically translate to continued suicidal thoughts.
C-Preferring to eat meals while watching TV is a relatively common behavior and does not directly correlate with suicidal intent. While changes in behavior should be noted, this alone is not a strong indicator of continued risk.
D-Giving away prized possessions, especially to loved ones, can sometimes be a sign of hopelessness or finality associated with suicidal ideation. It suggests the adolescent may be putting their affairs in order.
Similar Questions
Jennifer, a college student, attempted suicide by hanging but was found by her roommate. She was treated in the emergency department and admitted to the psychiatric unit. She continues to verbalize suicidal ideation (SI) with a plan. Jennifer is placed on the strictest level of suicide precautions. What nursing interventions would be planned?
A. Check whereabouts every hour.
Checking whereabouts every hour is not frequent enough for a patient with active suicidal ideation and a plan. Hourly checks might not provide timely intervention in case the patient attempts self-harm.
B. Make verbal contact at least three times each shift.
Making verbal contact at least three times each shift is insufficient for someone with such high-risk suicidal ideation. More frequent contact is necessary to ensure the patient's safety.
C. Check whereabouts every 15 minutes.
Checking whereabouts every 15 minutes is a critical nursing intervention for a patient with severe suicidal ideation and a plan. This interval allows for close monitoring and immediate intervention if the patient attempts self-harm.
D. Make frequent verbal contacts.
Making frequent verbal contacts is vague and lacks a specific time frame. The 15-minute interval is recommended due to the heightened risk level, and it provides a clear guideline for nursing care.
E. Keep patient within visual range while she is awake.
Keeping the patient within visual range while she is awake is an essential precaution to prevent self-harm. However, this choice alone does not address the need for frequent checks on the patient's whereabouts.
A nurse in an acute mental health facility is caring for a client who has major depressive disorder. Since her admission 3 days ago, she has not put on clean clothes, washed her hair, or participated in any of the unit activities. On this day, the nurse observes that she is wearing clean clothes and has combed her hair. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
A. "Your mood must be lifting because you have on clean clothes and have combed your hair.".
This makes an assumption about the client’s mood, which may not be accurate and can be interpreted as minimizing the client’s ongoing struggle.
B. "Oh, I'm so pleased that you finally put on clean clothes.".
This response might come across as condescending or patronizing, which can negatively impact the therapeutic relationship.
C. "I see that you have on clean clothes and have combed your hair.".
This response is an example of therapeutic communication that acknowledges the client’s actions without making assumptions or passing judgment. It is an observational statement that recognizes the client's effort, which can help to encourage further positive behavior without imposing interpretations on the client's motivations.
D. "Why did you wear clean clothes and comb your hair today?".
This could be interpreted as questioning the client's actions in a way that might make them feel defensive or uncomfortable.
Full Explanation
A. "Your mood must be lifting because you have on clean clothes and have combed your hair.": This makes an assumption about the client’s mood, which may not be accurate and can be interpreted as minimizing the client’s ongoing struggle.
B. "Oh, I'm so pleased that you finally put on clean clothes.": This response might come across as condescending or patronizing, which can negatively impact the therapeutic relationship.
C. "I see that you have on clean clothes and have combed your hair."This response is an example of therapeutic communication that acknowledges the client’s actions without making assumptions or passing judgment. It is an observational statement that recognizes the client's effort, which can help to encourage further positive behavior without imposing interpretations on the client's motivations.
D. "Why did you wear clean clothes and comb your hair today?": This could be interpreted as questioning the client's actions in a way that might make them feel defensive or uncomfortable.
A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing a manic episode. Other clients begin to complain about her disruptive behavior on the unit. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A. Ignore the client's behavior, realizing it is consistent with her illness.
Ignoring the client's disruptive behavior is not a suitable approach, as it could lead to a chaotic environment on the unit and potentially escalate the situation.
B. Set limits on the client's behavior and be consistent in approach.
Setting limits on the client's behavior is essential to maintain a therapeutic environment for all clients on the unit. Consistency in approach helps establish clear boundaries and expectations.
C. Ask the client to recommend consequences for her disruptive behavior.
Asking the client to recommend consequences for her disruptive behavior might not be appropriate, as it shifts the responsibility from the nursing staff to the client. Additionally, during a manic episode, the client's judgment might be impaired.
D. Warn the client that further disruptions will result in seclusion.
Warning the client about seclusion is an extreme measure that should be reserved for situations where the client's safety or the safety of others is at risk. It's important to start with less restrictive interventions, such as setting limits.