A client is receiving cardiac monitoring on a telemetry unit three days after an intentional medication overdose. During the first two days of admission, the client was withdrawn, tearful, and refused to eat. On the morning of the third day, the nurse notes the client is fully dressed, appears highly energized, and exhibits a bright affect. The client approaches the nurse, offers a valuable piece of personal jewelry, and states, "Thank you for everything; I finally know exactly how to fix all my problems." Which behavioral intervention should the nurse implement first?
- Initiate continuous one-to-one observation and directly ask the client if they have formulated a plan to end their life.Cevap
- BAccept the jewelry to maintain therapeutic rapport and document the client's improved mood in the electronic health record.
- CCommend the client for their positive outlook and reassure them that the feelings of despair are finally passing.
- DDirect the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to sit at the bedside and explore the reasons behind the client's sudden change in behavior.
Cevap
The nurse must immediately initiate continuous one-to-one observation and directly ask the client if they have a plan to end their life.
A sudden, unexplained improvement in mood and energy in a previously depressed client, especially when accompanied by giving away personal possessions and making finalizing statements (e.g., 'know exactly how to fix all my problems'), is a major red flag for imminent suicide risk. The client's sudden sense of peace often stems from having made a final decision to die. The priority behavioral intervention is to ensure immediate safety by initiating continuous one-to-one observation and directly asking the client if they have a plan to end their life.
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Anahtar Kavram
Recognizing Imminent Suicide Risk and Prioritizing Safety