A nurse on a mental health unit is assisting with the care of a client. Exhibits Complete the following sentence by using the lists of options. The client is at risk for dropdown as evidenced by the client’sdropdown.
Explanation & Rationale
Rationale: • Suicidal ideation: The client has a history of suicidal threats and is currently expressing distress, isolation, and a desire to no longer exist. These are key red flags for suicidal thoughts and require immediate monitoring. • Hopelessness: Statements like “I wish I weren’t here” and “my life is a mess” indicate a loss of hope about the future. Hopelessness is a strong predictor of suicidal intent in clients with depression. • Acute stress disorder: This condition involves exposure to a traumatic event within the past month with symptoms like flashbacks or dissociation. The client’s distress stems from life changes, not acute trauma. • Borderline personality disorder: While this disorder includes unstable relationships and emotional reactivity, there is no history of impulsivity or identity disturbance to support the diagnosis. • Emotional lability: The client displays a flat affect and tearfulness, not rapid mood shifts. Emotional lability refers to quick and exaggerated changes in emotional expression. • Hypervigilance: This involves a heightened state of alertness often associated with trauma or PTSD. The client’s behavior is more aligned with withdrawal and depression.