A woman has called you for her middle-aged friend who has stopped eating and talking and has frequent crying spells. Your history reveals that the woman lost her husband a few months ago and has been withdrawn and despondent ever since. Throughout the assessment, the alert and oriented woman continually states she wants to be left alone. When you bring the stretcher into the room, the woman states, "I do not want to go to the hospital. Let me sign whatever I need to sign." What is your best response to this situation?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Contacting medical direction for advisement is the best response in this situation because the patient is showing signs of severe depression and possibly suicidal ideation, given her recent loss and current state. It's crucial to ensure she receives the appropriate care and assessment from a mental health professional, and medical direction can provide guidance on how to proceed, especially when the patient is refusing care but may not be safe to make that decision.

A Woman Has Called You for Her Middle-Aged Friend Who