Exam 25: Suicide

A nurse assesses a patient who reports a 3-week history of depression and periods of uncontrolled crying. The patient says, "My business is bankrupt, and I was served with divorce papers." Which subsequent statement by the patient alerts the nurse to a concealed suicidal message?

Which measure would be considered a form of primary intervention for suicide?

Select the most critical question for the nurse to ask an adolescent who has threatened to take an overdose of pills.

Which individual in the emergency department should be considered at highest risk for completing suicide?

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

Which change in the brain's biochemical function is most associated with suicidal behaviour?

A nurse uses the SAD PERSONS scale to interview a patient. This tool provides data relevant to which of the following?

Which statement provides the best rationale for closely monitoring a severely depressed patient during antidepressant medication therapy?