Suicidal Patients

Question 1

Discuss epidemiological statistics
Suicide

Answer 1

On average 1 person died by suicide every 2hrs in the state, 11th leading cause of death in Texas, almost 3x more deaths by suicide than in alcohol or related motor vehicle accidents
A higher risk of suicide is found in divorced than in married persons. Women attempt suicide more, but men die more often due to the lethality of the means such as firearms. M=70% W=30% Transgender also have high risk population alarming 41% lifetime prevalence.

Question 2

Risk factors r/t suicide

Answer 2

substance use, Early treatment w/antidepressants*
marital status, gender, age, religion, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, psychiatric illness, severe insomnia

Question 3

Describe predisposing factors implicated in the etiology related to suicide.

Answer 3

• 90% attempts/death y suicide have mental disorders.
• Individuals in the highest & lowest social classes have higher suicide rates.
• Rates are higher in rural areas & twofold greater use of firearms.
• Low education and unemployment increase the prevalence among young adults with suicide ideation.

Question 4

Facts regarding Suicide

Answer 4

By asking them you’re helping them & allowing them to talk about their situation because no one really wants to die they just don’t like their life situation and want it to change

Question 5

Fables/Myths regarding Suicide

Answer 5

if you ask a client about SI you are going to give them the idea & they will kill themselves, people who talk about suicide only want attention, they never kill themselves, only want to hurt themselves not others, ignoring verbal threats will reduce the persons use of these behaviors.

Question 6

Apply the nursing process to individuals exhibiting suicidal behavior.
HINT: 3 interventions

Answer 6

• Primary interventions: Community education and screening
  o SAL = Specificity (how detailed and clear their plan is), Availability (does the client have immediate access to the planned means), and Lethality (could the plan be fatal or does the client believe it would be fatal)
• Secondary interventions: Acute suicidal crisis – implement suicide precautions.
• Tertiary interventions: Provide support and assistance to survivors of a client who died by suicide.