Mental Health Chapter 25 Practice Questions

A student nurse on the psychiatric unit expresses being uncomfortable about discussing possible suicidal ideations with clients because "It might put ideas in their head about suicide." What is the nurse's best response to this student's concern? A. "I'm glad you are thinking that way. They may not have thought of suicide before, and we don't want to introduce that." B. "You are right; however, because of professional liability, we have to ask that question." C. "Actually, it's a myth that asking about suicide puts ideas into someone's head." D. "If I were you, I'd ask the health provider to talk to the patient about that subject."

C. "Actually, it's a myth that asking about suicide puts ideas into someone's head."

Which suicide prevention intervention that has the greatest impact on a client's safety? A. Educating visitors about potentially dangerous gifts. B. Restricting the client from potentially dangerous areas of the unit. C. One-on-one observation by the staff. D. Removal of personal items that might prove harmful.

C. One-on-one observation by the staff.

The nursing diagnosis Risk for self-directed violence has been added to the care plan of a suicidal client. Which is the most appropriate short-term goal for this diagnosis? A. Will reclaim any prized possessions that were given away. B. Be able to name three personal strengths. C. Seek help when feeling self-destructive. D. Consistently participate in a self-help group.

C. Seek help when feeling self-destructive.

Which neurotransmitter has been implicated as playing a part in the decision to commit suicide? A. γ-Amino-butyric acid B. Dopamine C. Serotonin D. Acetylcholine

C. Serotonin

What are the most important characteristics for staff members who work with suicidal clients? A. Organization B. Problem-solving skills C. Warm, consistent interaction D. Effective interview and counseling skills

C. Warm, consistent interaction

When working with a client who may have made a covert reference to suicide, the nurse should base the response on what statement? A. Being careful not to mention the idea of suicide. B. Listening carefully to see whether the client mentions suicide more overtly. C. Asking about the possibility of suicidal thoughts in a covert way. D. Asking the client directly if they are thinking of attempting suicide.

D. Asking the client directly if they are thinking of attempting suicide.

The nurse observes the meal tray about to serve a suicidal client. Which item should be removed from the tray? A. Plastic plate B. Cloth napkin C. Styrofoam cup D. Metal utensils

D. Metal utensils

A client tells the nurse that he believes his situation is intolerable and is observed isolating socially. Which nursing diagnosis should be considered? A. Hopelessness B. Deficient knowledge C. Chronic low self-esteem D. Compromised family coping

A. Hopelessness

While intoxicated a client unsuccessfully attempted suicide by using a gun. This method of using a gun to attempt suicide should be described in what terms? A. It is high risk, or a hard method. B. It is low risk, or a soft method. C. It was not an actual suicide attempt because the client was intoxicated. D. Considering the results, it is a nonlethal means.

A. It is high risk, or a hard method.

A client with a history of repeated suicidal attempts refuses to participate in a no-suicide contract. What intensity of nursing observation should be instituted? A. Constant 24-hour, one-to-one observation at arm's length B. One-to-one observation while client is awake C. Every 15-minute observation around the clock D. Seclusion with 15-minute observation

A. Constant 24-hour, one-to-one observation at arm's length

Unit practice requires inspection of all items being brought onto the unit by visitors. How can this be most effectively done? A. Having a staff member sit at the door and check packages as visitors enter. B. Having a staff member make frequent rounds during visiting hours to inspect gifts. C. Asking all visitors to report to the nurse's station before visiting a client. D. Asking clients to give staff any unsafe item that might have been left by a visitor.

A. Having a staff member sit at the door and check packages as visitors enter.

Which is the greatest protective factor against the risk of suicide? A. One or more previous suicide attempts B. A sense of responsibility to family C. Fear of dying D. A cultural belief that suicide is a shameful resolution for a dilemma

B. A sense of responsibility to family

When a colleague committed suicide, the nurse stated "I do not understand why she would take her own life." This is an expression of which feeling? A. Anger B. Disbelief C. Confusion D. Sympathy

B. Disbelief

What is the focus of the SAFE-T assessment tool? Select all that apply. A. Facilitate hospitalization. B. Identify level of suicidal risk. C. Development of client focused treatment. D. Introduce antidepressant medication therapy E. Stress collaboration with the client

B. Identify level of suicidal risk. C. Development of client focused treatment. E. Stress collaboration with the client

Which of the following statements is true regarding culture and protective factors against suicide? A. Asian Americans have the highest rates of suicide. B. Religion and the importance of family are protective factors for Hispanic Americans. C. Older women have the highest risk for suicide among African Americans. D. American Indians and Pacific Islanders have the lowest rates of suicide.

B. Religion and the importance of family are protective factors for Hispanic Americans.

An assessment tool that is useful to nurses in rating suicide risk is the A. AIMS scale. B. SAFE-T. C. CAGE questionnaire. D. Mini-Mental Status Examination.

B. SAFE-T.

Nurses should assess the lethality of the client's plan for suicide. What factor would be irrelevant to that assessment? Select all that apply. A. How long the client has been suicidal B. Whether the plan has specific details C. Whether the method is one that could cause death D. Whether the client has the means to implement the plan E. Has the client been suicidal in the past

B. Whether the plan has specific details C. Whether the method is one that could cause death D. Whether the client has the means to implement the plan

Which statement factually describes the act of suicide? A. More women than men commit suicide. B. The Jewish culture has the lowest suicide rate. C. Suicide is the leading cause of death in the United States. D. A client diagnosed with schizophrenia is at great risk for attempting suicide

D. A client diagnosed with schizophrenia is at great risk for attempting suicide

A client on one-to-one supervision at arm's length indicates a need to go to the bathroom but reports, "I cannot 'go' with you standing there." How should the nurse respond to the client's concern? A. "I understand" and allow the client to close the door. B. Keep the door open, but step to the side out of the client's view. C. Leave the client's room and wait outside in the hall. D. "For your safety I can be no more than an arm's length away."

D. "For your safety I can be no more than an arm's length away."

Which statement, made by a patient admitted with a diagnosis of depression, indicates the need for further assessment? A. "I know a lot of people care about me and want me to get better." B. "I have suicidal thoughts at times, but I don't have any plan and don't think I would ever actually hurt myself." C. "I don't have a good support system, but I am planning on joining a recovery group." D. "I think things will be better soon."

D. "I think things will be better soon."