Exam 21: Variables Affecting the Therapeutic Environment: Violence and Suicide

When assessing a patient's plan for suicide, what aspect has priority?

For which situation would clinical supervision be most important?

A novice nurse on an inpatient psychiatric unit says to a colleague, "My newest patient has been diagnosed with schizophrenia. At least I won't have to monitor for a suicide risk." Select the colleague's most accurate response.

A patient is shouting loudly and is verbally aggressive. What analysis should the nurse make about this behavior?

A patient being treated at the mental health center says, "I am having thoughts about suicide." Select the nurse's most therapeutic response.

Which nursing intervention for an angry, hostile patient would best contribute to prevention and management of aggression?

A suicide crisis line caller states, "I called to say goodbye to someone." Select the nurse's best response.

A patient has been placed in four-point leather restraints following a violent episode. The nurse establishing the care plan must ensure that the restraints are removed:

A nurse who has worked on an acute psychiatric unit for 5 years has begun describing patients in insensitive ways and is less creative when dealing with patient problems. What is the most likely explanation for the nurse's behavior?

A depressed patient admitted following a suicide attempt by overdose of sedatives states, "I don't feel like signing your papers. My partner should have let me die." What level of suicide precautions should the nurse apply?

Which emotion experienced by a patient should be assessed by the nurse as most predictive of an increased suicide risk?

A patient is increasingly tense, pacing the hall and glaring angrily at others. Select the nurse's best comment to this patient.

Select the most appropriate comment by the nurse when a depressed patient says, "What's the use in going on?"

A staff nurse tells a peer, "I find it difficult to deal with patients who have personality disorders. They can control their behavior, whereas patients with depression truly need my services." Select the peer's most helpful response.

Staff members take an aggressive patient to seclusion. Before leaving the patient in the room, the priority action should be:

Which scenario presents a high risk for violence?

What common themes apply to persons who have suicidal ideation? Select all that apply.

A psychiatric nurse is suffering from burnout. What effect would be expected on patients under this nurse's care? Patients will probably feel:

A patient whose behavior has continued to escalate despite nursing interventions begins to kick and strike out at the nurse. What is the priority nursing intervention?

A patient's behavior has continued to escalate despite nursing interventions designed to achieve de-escalation. The patient begins to kick and strike at staff. This behavior evidences which phase of the assault cycle?