Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

M2 Psychiatry > 16. Assessment of Dangerousness > Flashcards

16. Assessment of Dangerousness Flashcards

1
Q

what is a psychiatric emergency?

A

situation requiring immediate evaluation and tx of a pt which is precipitated by a sudden change in the pts behavior of situation

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

what is the typical profile of a pt presenting for psychiatric emergency?

A

young adults, from lower SE, chronic behavioral probs with acute exacerbations

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

most common behaviors to prompt emergency tx?

A

suicidal, violent, agitated or extremes of affect, withdrawal

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

diagnoses most frequently associated with completed suicides?

A

mood disorders, scz, substance abuse

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

males v females: attempting suicide? completing?

A

females attempt more, males complete more

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

how many pts who complete a suicide have had a prior attempt?

A

about half

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

employment status and suicide attempts?

A

employed ppl at less risk than retired/unemployed. those with recent job loss are at higher risk. professionals have higher rate than blue-collar

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

psychiatric disorder and suicide attempts?

A

majority of suicides are attempted by pts with a major mental illness.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

medical problems and suicide attempts?

A

chronic pain, terminal illness leads to higher rates of suicide

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

what is essential to evaluate in assessing risk of a suicide attempt?

A

intentionality. what is the level of expressed intention to die?
lethality. is there a plan/how lethal is the plan?
means. pt have the means to carry out plan?
viability. what is the ability of the pt to accept help?

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

when is hospitalization indicated?

A

when pt has a lethal plan, expressed intention to die, low viability, or lack of external support

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

what physiological conditions may predict violent/combatice behavior?

A

drug/alcohol (esp PCP), cognitive impairment disorders (delirium, dementia), scz, mania, paranoia, character disturbances

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

approach to the violent patient?

A

be safe
set clear limits for pt (will not be allowed to harm self), and identify consequences
empathy
restraint if needed

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

medication for controlling violent patients?

A

neuroleptic/benzodiazepine meds: Haldol, Lorazepam. can be repeated at intervals until agitation subsides.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

passive intent v active intent?

A

passive: no plan but would prefer to be dead
active: has plan and wants to carry it out

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

top psychiatric risk factors for suicide?

A

affective illness (bipolar, SAD, depr)
drug/alc abuse
scz

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

what accounts for 50% completed suicides?

A

major depression. essential to screen for a neurovegetative state.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

what increases the suicide risk for someone with scz?

A

delusions, hallucinations, depression, akathisia, abrupt discontinuation of neuroleptics

19
Q

Akathisia: def?

A

need to move, very uncomfortable, can lead to suicide

20
Q

character/personality factors that can lead –> suicide?

A

primarily borderline and antisocial types. dysphoria, impulsivity,

21
Q

the risk of completed suicide is how much higher in the year following an attempt?

A

100x

22
Q

peak ages for suicide?

A

bimodal: 15-24 y and >60

23
Q

what types of medical illnesses are at highest risk for suicide?

A

sever/chronic are at highest risk, highest risks are with AIDS, cancer, trauautic brain injury,

24
Q

what is the genetic risk for suicide?

A

there is a genetic risk even when all other factors are controlled for. unknown how this risk is conferred. also, family hx of mental illness, tramautic early family life, imitation/modeling

25
Q

social risk factors for suicide?

A
  • marital status: widowed is greatest, married is lowest.
  • bereavement
  • living along, loss of relationship, anniv of loss
  • unemployed/unskilled
  • poverty
  • presence of firearms in house
26
Q

where is evaluation of suicidal ideation best done?

A

ER: because there is constant observation, controlled environment.

27
Q

children/adolescents: signs to consider when evaluating suicide?

A

progressively declining school work, irritability, impulsivity, substance abuse, bereavement/rejection

28
Q

geriatric: things to consider when evaluating suicide?

A

high rate, often have lethal means available at home. also frail and less likely to survive an attempt.

29
Q

preg/postpartum women: things to consider when evaluating suicide?

A

loss of maternal instinct is hugely concerning.

30
Q

suicide assessment: what to ask?

A 
suicidal ideation
plans
are the means available?
does pt have any plans for their future?
why now, is there a precipitating event?
31
Q

suicide assessment, after an attempt. what to ask?

A

what was your perception of lethality/risk?
what were the chances for rescue?
was pt disappointed to survive?
was the attempt impulsive or premeditated?
what has changed?

32
Q

high-risk for suicide: profile

A

psychotic, greater than 45 yo, survivor of violent attempt, those who took precautions to avoid rescue, those who refuse help, those without social supports

33
Q

what are grounds (generally) for involuntary admission?

A

changes state to state.
risk of harm to self, others
unable to care for self due to poor judgment

34
Q

treatments that decrease risk of suicide

A

lithium, clozapine, ECT.

SSRIs have not been shown to decrease overall suicide rates

35
Q

what is the Tarasoff duty?

A

duty to warn/protect intended victim of your patient’s homocidal intent. based on a UC Berkeley student that stalked and killed Tatiana Tarasoff

36
Q

what are factors that decrease risk of violence?

A

religion, morals
capacity for empathy
insight into illness
sense of being respected.

37
Q

what is aggression?

A

overt behavior, involves intent to be destructive. usually not due to psychiatric etiology.

38
Q

what is agitation?

A

state of poorly organized and aimless psychomotor activity. stems from physical and mental unease. restlessness, hyperactivity, irritable, inappropriate behavior

39
Q

how does agitation fit into our assessment of risk?

A

an emergency. correlates with anxiety, fear, anger, pain, psychosis

40
Q

red flags for likely medical cause of psychiatric problem?

A

new onset agitation in adult over 45 with no psy hx.

abnl vitals, PE, drug/alc use or withdrawal, deficits in attention or cognition

41
Q

what is verbal de-escalation?

A

helping a patient to calm himself and regain sense of control. can replace traditional approaches of restraint and invol medication. can lead to a more positive ED experience.

42
Q

what are a few behavioral interventions?

A

empathy, reflect back to the patient what you observe, minimize confrontation, express concern, acknowledge patient can make decisions, set boundaries.

43
Q

strategies for managing agitation?

A

behavioral/verbal (eye contact, posture)
environmental (decr stimulation, other people)
physical: restraint if needed
pharmacological

M2 Psychiatry (24 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions