The husband of a client with terminal cancer has expressed a high degr

The husband of a client with terminal cancer has expressed a high degree of stress over his role as caregiver. When asked whether he has suicidal or homicidal thoughts he answered, “Sometimes.”

Which of the following nursing statements is most therapeutic initially?
1. “What is the hardest part about your wife’s impending death?”
2. “Can you describe your plan for killing yourself and your wife?”
3. “What can I do to help make caring for your wife less stressful?”
4. “Can you tell me how caring for your wife has affected you personally?”

ANSWER

ANS: 2
If a client indicates suicidal or homicidal ideations, the nurse should first determine in a caring and concerned manner if the person has a plan and determine how lethal the means are. The re-maining options represent appropriate questions but only after the safety issues have been ad-dressed.