A newly admitted psychiatric patient repetitively states,"I wish I were dead.I just want to kill myself." The priority nursing at this time is to:

Question

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The priority nursing intervention in this scenario is to provide for patient safety, as the patient is expressing suicidal ideation. The nurse should initiate suicide precautions and closely monitor the patient to prevent self-harm. A trusting relationship, a nonstimulating environment, and identifying signs of increased anxiety are important interventions but not the priority in this situation.

A Newly Admitted Psychiatric Patient Repetitively States,"I Wish I Were