Module 2 - Suicide

Question 1

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Answer 1

1 (800) 273-8255 (TALK)

Question 2

Suicide

Answer 2

Intentional act of killing onself

Question 3

Suicidal Ideation

Answer 3

Thinking about killing onself

Question 4

What are the various Reasons/Risk Factors for attempting/committing suicide

Answer 4

Delusions
Hallucinations
No hope for the future
Depressed feelings related to illness
Faulty thinking process
Believing there is no other option
Relief of pain
Financial Stress
Experiencing multiple losses or crises
Ultimate expression of anger towards significant other
Access to lethal means

Question 5

Predictors of Suicide

Answer 5

Previous Attempts

Sense of hopelessness or desperation

Question 6

Pathophsiology and Etiology of Suicide

Answer 6

1. May be a genetic factor
2. May be inability to control impulsive behavior
3. May be related to past traumatic brain injury
4. Neurobiolgy: Possible serotonin dysfunction (significant decrease in 5-HT)

Question 7

Suicide Verbal Clues

Answer 7

It wont matter much longer
Will you miss me when I am gone
I can’t take this much longer
The patient will be over soon

Question 8

Suicide Behavior Clues

Answer 8

Obtaining a weapon
Withdrawing from relationships, social isolation
Change in school, work performance
Increased tendency towards accidents
Sudden interest in life insurance policies
Choosing a method of lethatlity
Giving away items of value

Question 9

Suicide Behavior Clues: Children

Answer 9

Change in school performance, sleep or appetite
Loss of interest in formerly favorite school or other activities
Feelings of hopelessness or depressions
Statements about thoughts of suicide

Question 10

Suicide Intervention

Answer 10

Authoritative Role
Safe environment, suicide precautions
No suicide/self-harm contract
Support system list
Discuss with client, family
Encourage family to read about suicide
Assist client in developing a crisis care card
National suicide prevention lifeline 1-800-273-8255

Question 11

Suicide Outcome Goal

Answer 11

Safety, free from self harm

Question 12

What can the nurse do to help families of victims of suicide?

Answer 12

1. Nurse must quickly intervene to support family
2. Help family members anticipate future
3. Offer referral to survivors of suicide group

Question 13

Nurse Self Awareness

Answer 13

Importance of dealing with own feelings about suicide
Frustration possible when working with depressed or manic patients
Exhaustion possible when working with manic patients
Journaling to help deal with feelings; talking with colleagues often helpful