Social Work Examination Services (SWES) Human Behavior Practice Test

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When working with a patient diagnosed with bipolar disorder who exhibits suicidal intent, what is the best course of action?

  1. Increase medication dosage

  2. Ask the patient directly about thoughts of ending life

  3. Contact family members for support

  4. Monitor patient without intervention

The correct answer is: Ask the patient directly about thoughts of ending life

Asking the patient directly about thoughts of ending life is the best course of action in this scenario. This approach is critical because it allows the healthcare professional to assess the level of suicidal intent and understand the patient's feelings and thoughts in a direct and open manner. Engaging in a conversation about suicidal thoughts does not typically increase the risk of suicide; rather, it can relieve anxiety for the patient and is a vital step in developing an appropriate safety plan. Directly addressing suicidal thoughts fosters a trusting therapeutic relationship and can lead to important interventions, such as finding immediate support or adjusting the treatment plan based on the patient's needs. It also helps clarify any ambiguity concerning the patient's mental state, which is essential for crisis management in cases of bipolar disorder, where mood swings can greatly affect suicidal ideation. Other options do not sufficiently address the urgency of the patient's condition. Increasing medication dosage may be appropriate under some circumstances, but it does not address the immediate concern of suicidal thoughts and could require time to take effect. Contacting family members for support can be beneficial but does not directly engage with the patient’s thoughts and may not provide timely intervention. Monitoring the patient without intervention fails to provide the necessary engagement and could leave the patient feeling isolated and unsupported at a critical moment.