Question 1

Which is a correctly written, appropriate outcome for a client with a history of suicide attempts who is currently exhibiting symptoms of low self-esteem by isolating self?

Accepted Answer

A)  The client will not physically harm self. 
B)  The client will express three positive self-attributes by day four. 
C)  The client will reveal a suicide plan. 
D)  The client will establish a trusting relationship. 
A)  The client will not physically harm self. 
B)  The client will express three positive self-attributes by day four. 
C)  The client will reveal a suicide plan. 
D)  The client will establish a trusting relationship. B

Question 2

Which nursing intervention strategy is most important to implement initially with a suicidal client?

Accepted Answer

A)  Ask a direct question such as, "Do you ever think about killing yourself?" 
B)  Ask client, "Please rate your mood on a scale from 1 to 10." 
C)  Establish a trusting nurse-client relationship. 
D)  Apply the nursing process to the planning of client care. 
A)  Ask a direct question such as, "Do you ever think about killing yourself?" 
B)  Ask client, "Please rate your mood on a scale from 1 to 10." 
C)  Establish a trusting nurse-client relationship. 
D)  Apply the nursing process to the planning of client care. A

Question 3

A client with a history of three suicide attempts has been taking fluoxetine (Prozac) for 1 month. The client suddenly presents with a bright affect, rates mood at 9/10, and is much more communicative. Which action should be the nurse's priority at this time?

Accepted Answer

A)  Give the client off-unit privileges as positive reinforcement. 
B)  Encourage the client to share mood improvement in group. 
C)  Increase frequency of client observation. 
D)  Request that the psychiatrist reevaluate the current medication protocol. 
A)  Give the client off-unit privileges as positive reinforcement. 
B)  Encourage the client to share mood improvement in group. 
C)  Increase frequency of client observation. 
D)  Request that the psychiatrist reevaluate the current medication protocol. C

Question 4

A nurse discovers a client's suicide note that details the time, place, and means to commit suicide. What should be the priority nursing intervention and the rationale for this action?

Accepted Answer

A)  Administering lorazepam (Ativan) prn, because the client is angry about the discovery of the note 
B)  Establishing room restrictions, because the client's threat is an attempt to manipulate the staff 
C)  Placing this client on one-to-one suicide precautions, because the more specific the plan, the more likely the client will attempt suicide 
D)  Calling an emergency treatment team meeting, because the client's threat must be addressed 
A)  Administering lorazepam (Ativan) prn, because the client is angry about the discovery of the note 
B)  Establishing room restrictions, because the client's threat is an attempt to manipulate the staff 
C)  Placing this client on one-to-one suicide precautions, because the more specific the plan, the more likely the client will attempt suicide 
D)  Calling an emergency treatment team meeting, because the client's threat must be addressed

Question 5

After years of dialysis, an 84-year-old states, "I'm exhausted, depressed, and done with these attempts to keep me alive." Which question should the nurse ask the spouse when preparing a discharge plan of care?

Accepted Answer

A)  "Have there been any changes in appetite or sleep?" 
B)  "How often is your spouse left alone?" 
C)  "Has your spouse been following a diet and exercise program consistently?" 
D)  "How would you characterize your relationship with your spouse?" 
A)  "Have there been any changes in appetite or sleep?" 
B)  "How often is your spouse left alone?" 
C)  "Has your spouse been following a diet and exercise program consistently?" 
D)  "How would you characterize your relationship with your spouse?"

Question 6

The family of a suicidal client is very supportive and requests more facts related to caring for their family member after discharge. Which information should the nurse provide?

Accepted Answer

A)  Address only serious suicide threats to avoid the possibility of secondary gain. 
B)  Promote trust by verbalizing a promise to keep suicide attempt information within the family. 
C)  Offer a private environment to provide needed time alone at least once a day. 
D)  Be available to actively listen, support, and accept feelings. 
A)  Address only serious suicide threats to avoid the possibility of secondary gain. 
B)  Promote trust by verbalizing a promise to keep suicide attempt information within the family. 
C)  Offer a private environment to provide needed time alone at least once a day. 
D)  Be available to actively listen, support, and accept feelings.

Question 7

Which client data indicates that a suicidal client is participating in a plan for safety?

Accepted Answer

A)  Compliance with antidepressant therapy 
B)  A mood rating of 9/10 
C)  Disclosing a plan for suicide to staff 
D)  Expressing feelings of hopelessness to nurse 
A)  Compliance with antidepressant therapy 
B)  A mood rating of 9/10 
C)  Disclosing a plan for suicide to staff 
D)  Expressing feelings of hopelessness to nurse

Question 8

A nurse is caring for a client who has threatened to commit suicide by hanging. The client states, "I'm going to use a knotted shower curtain when no one is around." Which information would determine the nurse's plan of care for this client?

Accepted Answer

A)  The more specific the plan is, the more likely the client will attempt suicide. 
B)  Clients who talk about suicide never actually commit it. 
C)  Clients who threaten suicide should be observed every 15 minutes. 
D)  After a brief assessment, the nurse should avoid the topic of suicide. 
A)  The more specific the plan is, the more likely the client will attempt suicide. 
B)  Clients who talk about suicide never actually commit it. 
C)  Clients who threaten suicide should be observed every 15 minutes. 
D)  After a brief assessment, the nurse should avoid the topic of suicide.

Question 9

After a teenager reveals that he is gay, his father responds by beating him. The next morning, the teenager is found hanging in his closet. Which paternal grief responses should a nurse anticipate?

Accepted Answer

A)  "I can't believe this is happening." 
B)  "If only I had been more understanding." 
C)  "How dare he do this to me!" 
D)  "I'm just going to have to accept that he was gay." 
E)  "Well, that was a selfish thing to do." 
A)  "I can't believe this is happening." 
B)  "If only I had been more understanding." 
C)  "How dare he do this to me!" 
D)  "I'm just going to have to accept that he was gay." 
E)  "Well, that was a selfish thing to do."

Question 10

A nursing instructor is teaching about suicide in the elderly population. Which information should the instructor include?

Accepted Answer

A)  Elderly people use less lethal means to commit suicide. 
B)  Although the elderly comprise less than 13 percent of the population, they account for 15 percent of all suicides. 
C)  Suicide is the second leading cause of death among the elderly. 
D)  It is normal for elderly individuals to express a desire to die, because they have come to terms with their mortality. 
A)  Elderly people use less lethal means to commit suicide. 
B)  Although the elderly comprise less than 13 percent of the population, they account for 15 percent of all suicides. 
C)  Suicide is the second leading cause of death among the elderly. 
D)  It is normal for elderly individuals to express a desire to die, because they have come to terms with their mortality.

Question 11

A client has been brought to the emergency department for signs and symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The client has a history of a suicide attempt 1 year ago. Which nursing intervention would take priority in this situation?

Accepted Answer

A)  Assessing the client's pulse oximetry and vital signs 
B)  Developing a plan for safety for the client 
C)  Assessing the client for suicidal ideations 
D)  Establishing a trusting nurse-client relationship 
A)  Assessing the client's pulse oximetry and vital signs 
B)  Developing a plan for safety for the client 
C)  Assessing the client for suicidal ideations 
D)  Establishing a trusting nurse-client relationship

Question 12

A nursing student is developing a plan of care for a suicidal client. Which documented intervention should the student implement first?

Accepted Answer

A)  Communicate therapeutically. 
B)  Observe the client. 
C)  Provide a hazard-free environment. 
D)  Assess suicide risk. 
A)  Communicate therapeutically. 
B)  Observe the client. 
C)  Provide a hazard-free environment. 
D)  Assess suicide risk.

Question 13

During the planning of care for a suicidal client, which correctly written outcome should be a nurse's first priority?

Accepted Answer

A)  The client will not physically harm self. 
B)  The client will express hope for the future by day three. 
C)  The client will establish a trusting relationship with the nurse. 
D)  The client will remain safe during the hospital stay. 
A)  The client will not physically harm self. 
B)  The client will express hope for the future by day three. 
C)  The client will establish a trusting relationship with the nurse. 
D)  The client will remain safe during the hospital stay.

Question 14

A nurse admitted a client to an inpatient unit after a suicide attempt. A health-care provider orders amitriptyline (Elavil) for the client. Which intervention related to this medication should be initiated to maintain this client's safety upon discharge?

Accepted Answer

A)  Provide a 6-month supply of Elavil to ensure long-term compliance. 
B)  Provide a 3-day supply of Elavil with refills contingent on follow-up appointments. 
C)  Provide a pill dispenser as a memory aid. 
D)  Provide education regarding the avoidance of foods containing tyramine. 
A)  Provide a 6-month supply of Elavil to ensure long-term compliance. 
B)  Provide a 3-day supply of Elavil with refills contingent on follow-up appointments. 
C)  Provide a pill dispenser as a memory aid. 
D)  Provide education regarding the avoidance of foods containing tyramine.

Question 15

A nursing instructor is teaching about suicide. Which student statement indicates that learning has occurred?

Accepted Answer

A)  "Suicidal threats and gestures should be considered manipulative and/or attention-seeking." 
B)  "Suicide is the act of a psychotic person." 
C)  "All suicidal individuals are mentally ill." 
D)  "Between 50 and 80 percent of all people who kill themselves have a history of a previous attempt." 
A)  "Suicidal threats and gestures should be considered manipulative and/or attention-seeking." 
B)  "Suicide is the act of a psychotic person." 
C)  "All suicidal individuals are mentally ill." 
D)  "Between 50 and 80 percent of all people who kill themselves have a history of a previous attempt."

Question 16

A client is newly admitted to an inpatient psychiatric unit. Which of the following is most critical to assess when determining risk for suicide?

Accepted Answer

A)  Family history of depression 
B)  The client's orientation to reality 
C)  The client's history of suicide attempts 
D)  Family support systems 
A)  Family history of depression 
B)  The client's orientation to reality 
C)  The client's history of suicide attempts 
D)  Family support systems

Question 17

A suicidal client says to a nurse, "There's nothing to live for anymore." Which is the most appropriate nursing reply?

Accepted Answer

A)  "Why don't you consider doing volunteer work in a homeless shelter?" 
B)  "Let's discuss the negative aspects of your life." 
C)  "Things will look better in the morning." 
D)  "It sounds like you are feeling pretty hopeless." 
A)  "Why don't you consider doing volunteer work in a homeless shelter?" 
B)  "Let's discuss the negative aspects of your life." 
C)  "Things will look better in the morning." 
D)  "It sounds like you are feeling pretty hopeless."

Question 18

The treatment team is making a discharge decision regarding a previously suicidal client. Which client assessment information should a nurse recognize as contributing to the team's decision?

Accepted Answer

A)  No previous admissions for major depressive disorder 
B)  Vital signs stable; no psychosis noted 
C)  Able to comply with medication regimen; able to problem-solve life issues 
D)  Able to participate in a plan for safety; family agrees to constant observation 
A)  No previous admissions for major depressive disorder 
B)  Vital signs stable; no psychosis noted 
C)  Able to comply with medication regimen; able to problem-solve life issues 
D)  Able to participate in a plan for safety; family agrees to constant observation

Question 19

A new nursing graduate asks the psychiatric nurse manager how to best classify suicide. Which is the nurse manager's best reply?

Accepted Answer

A)  "Suicide is a DSM-5 diagnosis." 
B)  "Suicide is a mental disorder." 
C)  "Suicide is a behavior." 
D)  "Suicide is an antisocial affliction." 
A)  "Suicide is a DSM-5 diagnosis." 
B)  "Suicide is a mental disorder." 
C)  "Suicide is a behavior." 
D)  "Suicide is an antisocial affliction."

Question 20

A nurse is caring for four clients diagnosed with major depressive disorder. When considering each client's belief system, the nurse should conclude which client would potentially be at highest risk for suicide?

Accepted Answer

A)  Roman Catholic 
B)  Protestant 
C)  Atheist 
D)  Muslim 
A)  Roman Catholic 
B)  Protestant 
C)  Atheist 
D)  Muslim

Exam 12: Suicide Prevention

Which is a correctly written, appropriate outcome for a client with a history of suicide attempts who is currently exhibiting symptoms of low self-esteem by isolating self?

Which nursing intervention strategy is most important to implement initially with a suicidal client?

A client with a history of three suicide attempts has been taking fluoxetine (Prozac) for 1 month. The client suddenly presents with a bright affect, rates mood at 9/10, and is much more communicative. Which action should be the nurse's priority at this time?

A nurse discovers a client's suicide note that details the time, place, and means to commit suicide. What should be the priority nursing intervention and the rationale for this action?

After years of dialysis, an 84-year-old states, "I'm exhausted, depressed, and done with these attempts to keep me alive." Which question should the nurse ask the spouse when preparing a discharge plan of care?

The family of a suicidal client is very supportive and requests more facts related to caring for their family member after discharge. Which information should the nurse provide?

Which client data indicates that a suicidal client is participating in a plan for safety?

A nurse is caring for a client who has threatened to commit suicide by hanging. The client states, "I'm going to use a knotted shower curtain when no one is around." Which information would determine the nurse's plan of care for this client?

After a teenager reveals that he is gay, his father responds by beating him. The next morning, the teenager is found hanging in his closet. Which paternal grief responses should a nurse anticipate?

A nursing instructor is teaching about suicide in the elderly population. Which information should the instructor include?

A client has been brought to the emergency department for signs and symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The client has a history of a suicide attempt 1 year ago. Which nursing intervention would take priority in this situation?

A nursing student is developing a plan of care for a suicidal client. Which documented intervention should the student implement first?

During the planning of care for a suicidal client, which correctly written outcome should be a nurse's first priority?

A nurse admitted a client to an inpatient unit after a suicide attempt. A health-care provider orders amitriptyline (Elavil) for the client. Which intervention related to this medication should be initiated to maintain this client's safety upon discharge?

A nursing instructor is teaching about suicide. Which student statement indicates that learning has occurred?

A client is newly admitted to an inpatient psychiatric unit. Which of the following is most critical to assess when determining risk for suicide?

A suicidal client says to a nurse, "There's nothing to live for anymore." Which is the most appropriate nursing reply?

The treatment team is making a discharge decision regarding a previously suicidal client. Which client assessment information should a nurse recognize as contributing to the team's decision?

A new nursing graduate asks the psychiatric nurse manager how to best classify suicide. Which is the nurse manager's best reply?

A nurse is caring for four clients diagnosed with major depressive disorder. When considering each client's belief system, the nurse should conclude which client would potentially be at highest risk for suicide?

Mental Health and Mental Illness

Biological Implications

Ethical and Legal Issues

Psychopharmacology

Cultural and Spiritual Concepts Relevant to Psychiatricmental Health Nursing

Relationship Development and Therapeutic Communication

The Nursing Process in Psychiatricmental Health Nursing

Milieu Therapythe Therapeutic Community

Interventions in Groups

Intervening in Crises

The Recovery Model

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Substance Use and Addictive Disorders

Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorders

Depressive Disorders

Bipolar and Other Related Disorders

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Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders

Somatic Symptom and Dissociative Disorders

Issues Related to Human Sexuality and Gender Dysphoria

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Community Mental Health Nursing

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