Suicide Risk

Question 1

How should you phrase the cause of death in regards to suicide?

Answer 1

Died by suicide/death by suicide/lost their life to suicide
Avoid using the word “committed”

Question 2

Name three major risk factors of suicide.

Answer 2

Psychiatric illness, financial strain, older age

Question 3

True or false: Bullying creates resilience and is a protective factor.

Answer 3

False

Question 4

What occupations pose the greatest risk for attempting suicide?

Answer 4

Military personnel, law enforcement officers, healthcare professionals, dentists, artists, mechanics, lawyers, and insurance agents.

Question 5

A female patient who present with suicide ideation states, “I want it to be over but I can’t do that to my family.” What does her family serve as in this scenario?

Answer 5

Protective factor

Question 6

What is the highest risk warning sign of suicide?

Answer 6

Threatening to harm or end one’s life

Question 7

What is the lowest risk warning sign of suicide?

Answer 7

Dramatic changes in mood

Question 8

Name three potentiating risk factors of suicide.

Answer 8

Recent unemployment
Divorce
Social isolation
Chronic mental illness
Traumatic life event or abuse

Question 9

It is essential to ask this question in your assessment.

Answer 9

Are you thinking about killing yourself/ending your life?

Question 10

What does the CSSRS tool assess?

Answer 10

Ideation
Plan
How lethal is the plan
Can the client describe the plan
Does the client have access to the intended method
Sudden change in mood

Question 11

What is the number one priority when caring for a patient struggling with suicide ideation?

Answer 11

SAFETY

Question 12

What are five safety precautions to implement for a patient experiencing thoughts of suicide?

Answer 12

Establish rapport and promote trusting relationship
Provide plastic eating utensils
Check for cheeking
Safety check the room
Keep door to room open at all times

Question 13

What interventions should the nurse provide at discharge to an outpatient setting?

Answer 13

Ensure access to support systems
Develop a detailed safety plan
Enlist friends and family to make home safe
Schedule frequent appointments

Question 14

What is some education to give a patient who was prescribed an SSRI related to suicide ideation?

Answer 14

Do not stop taking it suddenly
May take 4-6 weeks for the full therapeutic effect
Adverse effects may occur such as nausea, headache
Monitor for increased depression or suicidal intent

Question 15

What should a patient taking an anxiolytic avoid?

Answer 15

Other CNS depressants (Alcohol)
Hazardous activities
Caffeine

Question 16

What medication class requires a fluid intake of 2-3L per day while taking?

Answer 16

Mood stabilizers

Question 17

What symptoms should be reported to a provider when taking an antipsychotic?

Answer 17

Agitation, dizziness, sedation, and sleep disturbances

Question 18

What are the characteristics of a safety plan for patients experiencing suicidal thoughts?

Answer 18

Assist patient to recognize warning signs
Employ coping strategies
Engage family and friends as available support persons
Identify people and social settings that distract from urges
Problem solves ways to restrict access to lethal means

Question 19

What information should you provide to the family and friends of someone who is experiencing suicidal thoughts or urges.

Answer 19

Take any hint of suicide seriously
Be a good listener
Do not keep secrets
Acknowledge and accept the person’s feelings
Show love and encouragement
Do not leave them alone