Free BCEN Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Practice Question

A 30-year-old patient comes to the emergency department after being found sitting on a park bench, staring blankly ahead. Upon assessment, the nurse notes the patient has expressed feelings of hopelessness, references plans for ending their life, and states they have 'nothing to live for.' What is the priority nursing intervention?

  • Initiate a detailed suicide risk assessment.

  • Discharge the patient with a follow-up appointment.

  • Recommend the patient engages in physical activity to improve mood.

  • Provide reassurance and encourage the patient to talk about their feelings.

This question's topic:
BCEN Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) / 
Mental Health Emergencies
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