RPNCE - Registered Psychiatric Nurse of Canada Examination Crisis and Suicide Intervention Questions and Answers

Question 1

A client in the emergency department who recently lost their job states, 'I just can't see a way out. Everything is pointless.' What is the Registered Psychiatric Nurse's (RPN) PRIORITY action?

Accepted Answer

Ask a direct question about suicidal thoughts and plans.

Answer

Explore the client's feelings about their job loss in detail.

Answer

Develop a long-term coping skills plan with the client.

Answer

Contact the client's family for collateral information.

Question 2

When assessing a client's risk for suicide, an RPN differentiates between static and dynamic risk factors. Which of the following is a dynamic risk factor?

Accepted Answer

Acute feelings of hopelessness and social isolation.

Answer

A family history of suicide.

Answer

A previous suicide attempt two years ago.

Answer

A recent diagnosis of a chronic medical illness.

Question 3

A high school student is referred to the school RPN due to overwhelming anxiety about graduating and moving away to university. The student reports difficulty sleeping and concentrating. According to crisis theory, what type of crisis is this student most likely experiencing?

Accepted Answer

Maturational

Answer

Situational

Answer

Adventitious

Answer

Existential

Question 4

An RPN is working with a voluntary client who has a specific, lethal plan to end their life and refuses all safety planning. The RPN determines the client is at imminent risk. What is the most appropriate next step for the RPN?

Accepted Answer

Initiate proceedings for an involuntary psychiatric assessment.

Answer

Document the client's refusal and discharge them with a follow-up appointment.

Answer

Ask the client to sign a 'no-suicide contract' as a final intervention.

Answer

Respect the client's autonomy and right to refuse treatment.

Question 5

When using Roberts' Seven-Stage Crisis Intervention Model, which stage involves the RPN helping the client understand the connection between a precipitating event and their current state of distress?

Accepted Answer

Identify the major problems or crisis precipitants.

Answer

Establish rapport and rapidly establish the relationship.

Answer

Generate and explore alternatives.

Answer

Deal with feelings and emotions.

Question 6

An RPN is working in a community that has recently experienced the suicide of a prominent member. The RPN is asked to help organize a response for the community. This type of intervention is known as:

Accepted Answer

Postvention.

Answer

Tertiary prevention.

Answer

Primary prevention.

Answer

Critical incident stress debriefing.