Question 1

Which statement indicates that the nurse is acting as an advocate for a client who was hospitalized after a suicide attempt and is now nearing discharge?

Accepted Answer

A) "I must observe you continually for 1 hour to keep you safe." 
B) "Let's confer with the treatment team about the resources that you may need after discharge." 
C) "You must have been very upset to do what you did today." 
D) "Are you currently thinking about harming yourself?"

Question 2

Tiffany was diagnosed with Depression resulting from the loss of her twin sister in a skiing accident.Her parents reported that all Tiffany has done since the accident was lay in her bed and cry,asking why she survived the accident.The physician prescribed Prozac to treat the depression,and suggested that the parents "keep a close eye on her." After a week,Tiffany began to show some signs of improvement,even coming out of her room to eat with the family.After 2 months,Tiffany committed suicide despite seeming to come out of the depression.What is the most likely reason?

Accepted Answer

A) The Prozac prescription was not effective. 
B) Suicide risk can increase early in treatment with antidepressants. 
C) Tiffany was not kept under direct supervision. 
D) A preexisting mental illness was compounded by the death of her sister.

Question 3

A nurse recently admitted a client to an inpatient unit after a suicide attempt.The 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 1-week supply of Elavil with refills given at follow-up appointments. 
C) Provide a pill dispenser as a memory aid. 
D) Provide education regarding the avoidance of foods containing tyramine.

Question 4

Which strategy should the nurse implement first with a suicidal client?

Accepted Answer

A) Ask a direct question such as,"Do you ever think about killing yourself?" 
B) Ask the client to rate his or her 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.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

A) The client will not physically harm self. 
B) The client will express hope for the future by day 3. 
C) The client will establish a trusting relationship with the nurse. 
D) The client will remain safe during the hospital stay.

Question 6

Who is at the greatest risk for suicide?

Accepted Answer

A) 11-year old African American male 
B) 31-year old American Indian female 
C) 68-year old Hispanic female 
D) 82-year old Caucasian male

Question 7

Thomas Joiner's interpersonal theory of suicide proposes which of the following?

Accepted Answer

A) An interruption in the customary norms of behavior instills fears of being without support. 
B) Impulsivity is elevated in people who have made suicide attempts. 
C) Allegiance is so strong to a group,that the individual will sacrifice their life for the group. 
D) The concept of suicide ideation and suicide attempts are distinct processes.

Question 8

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

Question 9

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) "Fifty to 80 percent of all people who kill themselves have a history of a previous attempt."

Question 10

A client is newly admitted to an inpatient psychiatric unit.Which of the following is the most critical assessment 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

Question 11

A nurse is caring for a client threatening to commit suicide by hanging.The client states,"I'm going to use a knotted shower curtain when no one is around." Which information will 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.

Question 12

Which of the following occupational groups are highest in terms of suicide risk?

Accepted Answer

A) Mechanics 
B) Priests 
C) Teachers 
D) Librarians

Question 13

A client diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder with psychotic features hears voices commanding self-harm.The client refuses to commit to developing a plan for safety.Which is the nurse's priority intervention at this time?

Accepted Answer

A) Obtaining an order for locked seclusion until client is no longer suicidal 
B) Conducting 15-minute checks to ensure safety 
C) Placing the client on one-to-one observation while monitoring suicidal ideations 
D) Encouraging client to express feelings related to suicide

Question 14

A client is newly committed to an inpatient psychiatric unit.Which nursing intervention best lowers this client's risk for suicide?

Accepted Answer

A) Encouraging participation in the milieu to promote hope 
B) Developing a strong personal relationship with the client 
C) Observing the client at intervals determined by assessed data 
D) Encouraging and redirecting the client to concentrate on happier times

Exam 17: Suicide Prevention