Personality and Mood Disorders Q 55
Which of the following interventions should be prioritized in the care of the suicidal client?
A. Remove all potentially harmful items from the client’s room.
B. Allow the client to express feelings of hopelessness.
C. Note the client’s capabilities to increase self-esteem.
D. Set a “no suicide” contract with the client.
Correct Answer: A. Remove all potentially harmful items from the client’s room.
Accessibility of the means of suicide increases lethality. Allowing patients to express feelings and setting a no-suicide contract are interventions for a suicidal client but blocking the means of suicide is a priority. Remove anything that the patient may use to hurt or kill him or herself. Remove sharp or potentially dangerous objects. Ask the patient for any weapon, such as knives or pills, and secure them away from the patient.
Option B: Encourage the client to talk freely about feelings and help plan alternative ways of handling disappointment, anger, and frustration. Gives the client other ways of dealing with strong emotions and gaining a sense of control over their lives.
Option C: Increasing self-esteem is an intervention for depressed clients but not specifically for suicide. Encourage clients to look into their negative thinking, and reframe negative thinking into neutral objective thinking. Cognitive reframing helps people look at situations in ways that allow for alternative approaches.
Option D: Construct a no-suicide contract between the suicidal client and nurse. Use clear, simple language. When the contract is up, it is renegotiated (If this is accepted procedure at your institution). The no-suicide contract helps client know what to do when they begin to feel overwhelmed by pain (e.g., “I will speak to my nurse/counselor/support group/family member when I first begin to feel the need to end my life”).