Nursing/Integrated Concepts: Nursing Process: Evaluation Learning Outcome: Differentiate the normal physical and psychosocial changes that accompany aging from mental disorders affecting elders. Question 6
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Type: MCSA
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The nurse suspects a 75-year-old male client with a recent diagnosis of cancer is contemplating
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suicide. Which one of the following cues indicates the highest suicide potential? 1. Yearly updating his will
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2. Complaining of chronic pain
4. Buying a hand revolver Correct Answer: 4
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3. Vague statements about future funeral plans
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Rationale 1: Buying a hand revolver presents the highest suicide potential because it signals a
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degree of premeditation and planning with a highly lethal means for completing suicide. Although discussing funeral plans, updating his will, and complaining of chronic pain are other verbal, behavioral, and situational cues for suicide, they can be expected in this situation and do
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not cause immediate concern.
Rationale 2: Buying a hand revolver presents the highest suicide potential because it signals a
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degree of premeditation and planning with a highly lethal means for completing suicide. Although discussing funeral plans, updating his will, and complaining of chronic pain are other verbal, behavioral, and situational cues for suicide, they can be expected in this situation and do not cause immediate concern. Rationale 3: Buying a hand revolver presents the highest suicide potential because it signals a degree of premeditation and planning with a highly lethal means for completing suicide. Although discussing funeral plans, updating his will, and complaining of chronic pain are other
