A newly admitted patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder has lost 20 pounds over the past month and has suicidal ideation. The patient has taken an antidepressant medication for 1 week without remission of symptoms. Select the priority nursing diagnosis.

A) Imbalanced nutrition: Less than body requirements
B) Chronic low self-esteem
C) Risk for suicide
D) Hopelessness

Question

Kendall Durrett · Accepted Answer

Final Answer : C, Explanation :  Risk for suicide is the priority diagnosis when the patient has both suicidal ideation and a plan to carry out the suicidal intent. Imbalanced nutrition, hopelessness, and chronic low self-esteem may be applicable nursing diagnoses, but these problems do not affect patient safety as urgently as a suicide attempt.

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