A victim of a violent rape has been in the emergency department for 3 hours.Evidence collection is complete.As discharge counseling begins,the patient says softly,"I will never be the same again.I can't face my friends.There is no sense of trying to go on." Select the nurse's most important response.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's words suggest hopelessness.Whenever hopelessness is present,so is the risk for suicide.The nurse should directly address the possibility of suicidal ideation with the patient.The other options attempt to offer reassurance before making an assessment.

A Victim of a Violent Rape Has Been in the Emergency