Chapter 23: Suicidal Thoughts and Behavior

Chapter 23: Suicidal Thoughts and Behavior

 

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

 

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

 

MULTIPLE CHOICE

 

1. Which changes in brain biochemical function is most associated with suicidal behavior?

a.	Dopamine excess
b.	Serotonin deficiency
c.	Acetylcholine excess
d.	Gamma-aminobutyric acid deficiency

 

 

ANS:  B

Research suggests that low levels of serotonin may play a role in the decision to commit suicide. The other neurotransmitter alterations have not been implicated in suicidal crises.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Comprehension     REF:   Page: 438

TOP:   Nursing Process: Assessment           MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity

 

2. A college student failed two tests. Afterward, the student cried for hours and then tried to telephone a parent but got no answer. The student then gave several expensive sweaters to a roommate. Which behavior provides the strongest clue of an impending suicide attempt?

a.	Calling parents
b.	Excessive crying
c.	Giving away sweaters
d.	Staying alone in dorm room

 

 

ANS:  C

Giving away prized possessions may signal that the individual thinks he or she will have no further need for the items, such as when a suicide plan has been formulated. Calling parents and crying do not provide clues to suicide, in and of themselves. Remaining in the dormitory would be an expected behavior because the patient has nowhere else to go.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Application           REF:   Pages: 440-441

TOP:   Nursing Process: Assessment           MSC:  NCLEX: Psychosocial Integrity

 

3. A nurse uses the SAD PERSONS scale to interview a patient. This tool provides data relevant to:

a.	current stress level.
b.	mood disturbance.
c.	suicide potential.
d.	level of anxiety.

 

 

ANS:  C

The SAD PERSONS tool evaluates 10 major risk factors in suicide potential: sex, age, depression, previous attempt, ethanol use, rational thinking loss, social supports lacking, organized plan, no spouse, and sickness. The tool does not have appropriate categories to provide information on the other options listed.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Comprehension     REF:   Pages: 440-443

TOP:   Nursing Process: Assessment           MSC:  NCLEX: Psychosocial Integrity

 

4. A person intentionally overdoses on antidepressant drugs. Which nursing diagnosis has the highest priority?

a.	Powerlessness
b.	Social isolation
c.	Risk for suicide
d.	Compromised family coping

 

 

ANS:  C

This diagnosis is the only one with life-or-death ramifications and is therefore higher in priority than the other options.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Application           REF:   Pages: 441-442

TOP:   Nursing Process: Diagnosis| Nursing Process: Analysis

MSC:  NCLEX: Psychosocial Integrity