A nurse is caring for a client who has a history of suicide attempts. Which of the following findings places the client at risk for another suicide attempt? (Select all that apply.)
Explanation & Rationale
A. Hallucinations: Experiencing hallucinations, particularly command hallucinations that urge self-harm, significantly increases the risk of suicide. The presence of perceptual disturbances can impair judgment and reality testing, making the client more vulnerable to acting on suicidal thoughts. B. Depression: Depression is one of the strongest predictors of suicide. Symptoms such as hopelessness, worthlessness, and persistent sadness can intensify suicidal ideation, especially in clients with a history of prior attempts. C. Delusions: Delusional thinking, especially persecutory or self-deprecating delusions, can heighten suicide risk. Clients may feel compelled to act on false beliefs that they are in danger or that death is the only solution, increasing vulnerability to self-harm. D. Catatonia: Catatonia involves extreme psychomotor disturbances, which can limit a client’s ability to communicate distress or seek help. It is associated with severe mental illness and can coincide with intense suicidal ideation, placing the client at heightened risk. E. Tinnitus: While tinnitus may cause distress or sleep disturbances, it does not directly increase the risk of suicide. It is a physical symptom without a direct link to suicidal ideation or intent in psychiatric populations.