A female client with major depression stated that "life is hopeless and not worth living." The nurse should place highest priority on which of the following questions?

The correct answer is B. "Have you thought about hurting yourself?". (A) Although eating habits are important to assess, they are less important than suicidal intent. (B) Maintenance of the client's life is the priority; assessment of suicidal intent is imperative. (C) Relationships and support systems are an important part of assessment, but…

Psychosocial Integrity

Question

Options

A"How has your appetite been recently?"
B"Have you thought about hurting yourself?"
C"How is your relationship with your husband?"
D"How has your depression affected your daily livingactivities?"

How the community answered

(39 responses)

A
3% (1)
B
92% (36)
C
5% (2)

Explanation

(A) Although eating habits are important to assess, they are less important than suicidal intent. (B) Maintenance of the client's life is the priority; assessment of suicidal intent is imperative. (C) Relationships and support systems are an important part of assessment, but they are less important than suicidal intent. (D) Daily living activities will give additional information about the level of depression, and are less significant than suicidal intent, although this information may give additional information about the actual plan for a suicidal attempt.

Topics

#suicide risk assessment#depression#therapeutic communication#priority setting

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