Exam 21: Variables Affecting the Therapeutic Environment: Violence and Suicide

Select the most appropriate comment by the nurse when a depressed patient says, "What's the use in going on?"

Which scenario presents a high risk for violence?

How does the social-psychological models describe aggression?

A staff nurse tells a peer, "I find it difficult to deal with patients who have personality disorders. They can control their behavior, whereas patients with depression truly need my services." What is the peer's most helpful response?

A suicide crisis line caller states, "I called to say goodbye to someone." What is the nurse's best response?

Which nursing intervention for an angry, hostile patient would best contribute to prevention and management of aggression?

Which principle guides nursing intervention in the assault cycle?

A patient's behavior has continued to escalate despite nursing interventions designed to achieve de-escalation. The patient begins to kick and strike at staff. This behavior evidences which phase of the assault cycle?

A patient has been placed in four-point leather restraints following a violent episode. The nurse establishing the care plan must ensure that the restraints are removed according to what guidelines?

For which situation would clinical supervision be most important in assuring safety?

A student tells the school nurse, "My friend threatened to take an overdose of pills." The nurse talks to the friend who verbalized the suicidal threat. What is the most critical question for the nurse to ask?

A patient is becoming increasingly tense, pacing the hall, alternately whispering, and shouting. Other patients receive hostile, suspicious glares as they walk by. Which phase of the assault cycle is the patient demonstrating?

Four individuals have suicide plans. Which plan evidences the highest risk for completed suicide?

What common themes apply to persons who have suicidal ideation? (Select all that apply.)

A patient being treated at the mental health center says, "I am having thoughts about suicide." What is the nurse's most therapeutic response?

Which characteristic of an inpatient unit organizational culture predisposes the highest risk for patient violence and aggression?

When assessing a patient's plan for suicide, what aspect has priority?

A nurse counsels a patient who made a suicide attempt 3 days ago. What is the nurse's most therapeutic response?

The nurse cares for a patient who was verbally aggressive upon admission. Three days later the patient says, "My family put me here. They wanted to get rid of me." When should the nurse be most vigilant for signs of escalating aggression?

A patient is increasingly tense, pacing the hall and glaring angrily at others. What is the nurse's best response to this patient's behavior?