A client in the inpatient unit tells a student nurse, "My life has no purpose. I can't think about living another day, but please don't tell anyone about the way I feel. I know you are obligated to protect my confidentiality." Which is the most appropriate reply by the student nurse?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

1.This is correct. The most appropriate response by the student nurse is to explain that sharing the information with the treatment team is critical to the client's care. The nurse's priority is to ensure client safety and to inform others of the client's suicidal ideation.
2.This is incorrect. The most appropriate response by the student nurse is to explain that sharing the information with the treatment team is critical to the client's care. The nurse's priority is to ensure client safety and to inform others of the client's suicidal ideation. The statement about negative lifestyle choices is inappropriate. Not directly answering the client's request may lead the client to mistakenly believe that the student intends to keep the information private.
3.This is incorrect. The most appropriate response by the student nurse is to explain that sharing the information with the treatment team is critical to the client's care. The nurse's priority is to ensure client safety and to inform others of the client's suicidal ideation. The statement about being preoccupied with self dismisses the client's feelings.
4.This is incorrect. The most appropriate response by the student nurse is to explain that sharing the information with the treatment team is critical to the client's care. The nurse's priority is to ensure client safety and to inform others of the client's suicidal ideation. This statement about client confidentiality is inappropriate and does not protect the client from harm.

A Client in the Inpatient Unit Tells a Student Nurse