The correctional nurse assesses a new prisoner beginning incarceration after committing a sex crime.The prisoner speaks in a low voice and tearfully tells the nurse,"My life might as well be over.There is no hope I will ever fit into society after I get out of prison.My family disowned me." Select the nurse's priority action.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The inmate is experiencing significant shame and self-loathing,facing many significant losses (freedom,status in the community,perhaps his career),separated from his support system,and evidences hopelessness.These all suggest a significant risk of suicide.The priority response would be to alert the guards of the inmate's risk to self and implement suicide precautions.Safety is the primary issue; none of the other options is appropriate relative to suicide prevention.

The Correctional Nurse Assesses a New Prisoner Beginning Incarceration After