A patient being treated for symptoms of PTSD following a shooting incident at a local elementary school reports "I feel like there's no reason to go on living when so many others died." Which of these is the most appropriate response by the nurse at this juncture?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This patient is expressing hopelessness,and it is a priority to assess for suicide ideation in these circumstances.Items A and D minimize the patient's experience of feeling hopelessness.Item C may be a useful strategy to encourage the patient that this is a common experience of trauma survivors,but the immediate priority is determining patient safety.

A Patient Being Treated for Symptoms of PTSD Following a Shooting