Chapter 23: Suicide

Chapter 23: Suicide

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

MULTIPLE CHOICE

1)   The nurse caring for a college student who attempted suicide by overdose believes brain biochemical dysfunction contributes to suicidal behavior. The nurse will be better able to plan necessary health teaching if she identifies the probable neurotransmitter alteration of

ANS:   B

Research suggests that low levels of serotonin may play a role in the decision to commit suicide. Knowing this, the nurse would understand the rationale for the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and plan appropriate health teaching. The other neurotransmitter alterations have not been implicated in suicidal crises.

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Application             REF:    Text Page: 475

TOP:    Nursing Process: Assessment

MSC:   NCLEX: Health Promotion and Maintenance

2)   A 20-year-old economics major became severely depressed after failing two examinations in economics. She cried for 2 hours, then called her parents who live in a neighboring state, planning to ask if she could return home. Her parents were in Europe. When her roommate went home for the weekend, the client gave her three expensive sweaters to keep. Later, the dormitory resident assistant returned a book to the client’s room and found her unconscious on the floor, with an empty pill bottle nearby. The client behavior that provided a clue to the suicide attempt was

ANS:   C

Giving away prized possessions may signal that the individual thinks he or she will have no further need for the item, such as when a suicide plan has been formulated. Option A: Calling her parents would not be a clue in and of itself. Option B: Remaining in the dorm would be an expected behavior because the client had nowhere else to go. Option D: Crying does not provide a clue to suicide in and of itself.

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Analysis                  REF:    Text Page: 477

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

3)   The nurse uses the SAD PERSONS scale as he interviews a client who has expressed suicidal ideation. This tool provides data relevant to

ANS:   B

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: Application             REF:    Text Page: 478

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

4)   A college student who attempted suicide by overdose was treated in the emergency department. Because the client lives in the dorm, her roommate is away, and her parents are in Europe, the decision was made to hospitalize her. The nursing diagnosis of highest priority would be

ANS:   D

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

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Analysis                  REF:    Text Page: 479

TOP:    Nursing Process: Nursing Diagnosis

MSC:   NCLEX: Safe, Effective Care Environment;