The nurse is assessing a 16-year-old who has been diagnosed with a sex

The nurse is assessing a 16-year-old who has been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease (STD). The nurse realizes that such risk-taking behavior is often a predictor of even more serious self-destructive behaviors, and so this client should be:

1. Screened for illegal drug use
2. Assessed for suicidal ideations
3. Interviewed regarding alcohol consumption
4. Provided information regarding birth control

ANSWER

ANS: 2
Low self-esteem and stressful life events significantly predict suicidal ideations in adolescents. Nurses in all health care settings need to initiate suicide screening and implement nursing inter-ventions directed toward suicide prevention and early detection. Although the remaining options are areas that should be addressed, suicidal ideations are the most serious possible risk-taking behavior.