What is the most important action for a school nurse monitoring an adolescent after a suicide attempt?

Speaking with the adolescent about their feelings regarding returning to school is crucial in the context of monitoring after a suicide attempt. This conversation serves multiple important purposes. Firstly, it allows the nurse to assess the adolescent's emotional state and readiness to reintegrate into the school environment, which can often be a source of stress or anxiety after a traumatic event. By discussing feelings about returning to school, the nurse can identify any lingering fears, sadness, or apprehensions that the adolescent may have, which can inform further support needed during their transition.

Additionally, this dialogue fosters a supportive relationship between the adolescent and the nurse, encouraging the young person to express their emotions and thoughts openly. Such communication can facilitate the identification of coping mechanisms and strategies the adolescent might need to navigate their return to school life, promoting resilience and mental well-being.

Furthermore, while monitoring interactions with friends, requesting teacher reports on behavior, and communicating with teachers about incidents are all relevant aspects of a comprehensive support system, they may not directly address the immediate and personal emotional needs of the adolescent in the aftermath of a suicide attempt. Therefore, engaging in a meaningful conversation about feelings becomes the priority for effective monitoring and care.