A nurse interacts with an outpatient who has a history of multiple suicide attempts. Select the most helpful response for a nurse to make when the patient states, "I am considering committing suicide."

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The correct response gives the patient reinforcement, recognition, and validation for making a positive response rather than acting out the suicidal impulse. It gives neither advice nor false reassurance, and it does not imply stereotypes such as "You have a lot to live for." It uses the patient's ambivalence and sets the stage for more realistic problem solving.

A Nurse Interacts with an Outpatient Who Has a History