Suicide Risk Assessment
A 34-year-old client with major depressive disorder is brought to the crisis unit by a friend after texting that life is not worth living. The client lost a job two weeks ago.
Recognize cues
The client is tearful, makes little eye contact, and reports sleeping 3 hours a night with no appetite. When asked directly, the client says there is a plan to overdose on a stockpiled medication kept at home, and had considered acting on it tonight.
Which finding indicates the highest risk?
Take action
The provider orders admission to the inpatient unit with suicide precautions, a mental health assessment, and medication review.
Which two actions should the nurse take first?
Evaluate outcomes
On day three the client states the plan is no longer wanted, agrees to a written safety plan naming two supports, attends group therapy, and is sleeping 6 hours a night.
Which finding best indicates the treatment is working?
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