A 45-year-old patient presents to the emergency department with complaints of depression. During the assessment, which of the following findings would be considered the most concerning for imminent suicide risk?
Recent loss of a loved one
Expressing feelings of hopelessness
A specific plan for suicide with access to lethal means
A history of previous suicide attempts
The correct answer is 'A specific plan for suicide with access to lethal means.' This is the most concerning finding because it indicates that the patient has not only thought about suicide but has also formulated a concrete plan and has the means to carry it out. This combination significantly increases the immediacy of the suicide risk.
While 'A history of previous suicide attempts' is a significant risk factor, it doesn't necessarily indicate imminent risk. Similarly, 'Expressing feelings of hopelessness' is a warning sign but doesn't imply immediate danger. 'Recent loss of a loved one' is a potential trigger for suicidal thoughts, but alone it doesn't indicate a high level of imminent risk.
As an emergency nurse, recognizing the severity of a specific plan combined with access to means is crucial for immediate intervention and potentially life-saving actions.
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