Suicide

Question 1

What is suicide?

Answer 1

death caused by injuring oneself with the intent to die
- women have a higher rate than men

Question 2

What are the higher risk populations in Canada for suicide?

Answer 2

• Men and boys
• People serving federal sentences
• Survivors of suicide loss and survivors of suicide attempt
• Some First Nation and Metis communities, especially among youth
• All Inuit regions in Canada

Question 3

What is the difference between passive vs active ideation when thinking about killing oneself.

Answer 3

Passive= thinks but has no plan
Active= thinks and seeks ways

Question 4

What are potential risk factors of suicide?

Answer 4

• Unemployed or recent financial difficulties
• Divorced, separated or widowed
• Social isolation
• Prior traumatic life events or abuse
• Previous suicide behaviour
• Chronic mental illness
• Chronic, debilitating physical illness

Question 5

What are potential risk factors of suicide?

Answer 5

• Unemployed or recent financial difficulties
• Divorced, separated or widowed
• Social isolation
• Prior traumatic life events or abuse
• Previous suicide behaviour
• Chronic mental illness
• Chronic, debilitating physical illness

Question 6

What are the interventions of suicide?

Answer 6

• Teamwork and safety
  –> Ongoing assessment
  –> Suicide precautions
• Counselling
• Health teaching and health promotion
• Case management
• Pharmacological interventions
• Postvention for survivors of completed suicide

Question 7

A patient is hospitalized with major depression and suicidal ideation. He has a history of several suicide attempts. For the first 2 days of hospitalization, the patient eats 20% of meals and stays in his room between groups. By the fourth day, the nurse observes that the patient is more sociable, is eating meals, and has a bright affect. Which factor should the nurse consider?
A. The patient is showing improvement and may be ready for discharge.
B. The patient may have decided to commit suicide; the nurse should reassess suicidality.
C. The patient is feeling rested, supported by the therapeutic milieu, and less depressed.
D. The patient is benefiting from the antidepressant he has been taking for 4 days

Answer 7

B

Question 8

Elder considerations of suicide?

Answer 8

• Depression common among the elderly; marked increase when elders are medically ill
  –> Psychotic features common
  –> Increased intolerance to medications
  –> ECT more commonly used for treatment; more rapid response
• Suicide increased among elderly