NCLEX Practice Test

What is an essential nursing consideration when placing a client with advanced depression and suicidal ideation into a shared room?

1. Client's personal preference

2. Infection control requirements

3. Level of supervision needed

4. Safety and risk level of roommates

The correct answer is: Client's personal preference

When placing a client with advanced depression and suicidal ideation into a shared room, the most crucial consideration is the safety and risk level of the roommates. In this context, it is essential to assess the potential for harm that could arise from different dynamics in a shared living space. Clients with suicidal ideation may pose a risk not only to themselves but to other residents as well, depending on their mental state and the behaviors they may exhibit. For instance, if both clients are feeling highly unstable, the risk of crisis increases, and adequate measures must be taken to ensure both are safe. It is critical to evaluate and monitor the compatibility of clients placed in shared rooms, particularly considering their psychological state and the potential for one to influence the other negatively. While a client's personal preference may hold some weight, prioritizing safety in such vulnerable situations is paramount.