Suicidal Thoughts and Behavior Flashcards

Flashcards covering Chapter 23: Suicidal Thoughts and Behavior, including statistics, risk and protective factors, myths, assessment tools (SAD PERSONS, SAFE-T, IS PATH WARM), verbal/behavioral clues, nursing interventions, and survivor support.

What was the rank of suicide among the leading causes of death in the United States in 2021?

Suicide was the 11th leading cause of death in the United States in 2021.

How many completed suicide deaths and suicide attempts occurred in the United States in 2021?

In 2021, there were $48,183$ deaths by suicide and $1.7\text{ million}$ suicide attempts in the United States.

Which demographic accounted for $69.7_\%$ of completed suicides in the United States in 2021?

White males accounted for $69.7_\%$ of completed suicides.

How many Americans commit suicide daily on average, and at what time interval?

An average of $132$ Americans commit suicide daily, which equals $1$ suicide every $10.9\,\text{minutes}$.

How does the completion rate of suicide in the United States differ between men and women?

Men complete suicide almost $4\times$ as often as women in the United States.

According to the 2020 United States mortality data chart, what rank does suicide hold as a cause of death for age groups 10–14 and 25–34?

Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for the 10–14 and 25–34 age groups.

How is Physician-assisted suicide (PAS) described, and how does it relate to euthanasia?

Physician-assisted suicide is a movement supporting the right of mentally competent adults to humanely end their own suffering under strict legal guidelines; it is not the same as euthanasia.

What biologic risk factors are associated with suicidal thoughts and behavior?

Biologic risk factors include irregularity in Serotonin production and usage, specific predisposing genes, alterations in brain structures impacting mood, motivation, and cognition, and chronic illness.

What psychologic risk factors contribute to suicidal behavior?

Psychologic risk factors include depressed mood/intense anxiety, psychosis/command hallucinations, hopelessness/helplessness, impulsivity/aggression, negative thinking patterns, difficulty with problem solving skills, and intense interpersonal conflicts.

What sociologic risk factors increase the risk of suicide?

Sociologic risk factors include isolation, lack of social support, poverty/homelessness, recent major loss (divorce, death, retirement), incarceration, and exposure to suicidal behaviors of others.

Which population groups are identified as high-risk groups for suicide?

High-risk groups include Military Veterans, LGBTQIA, Adolescents, Older Adults, and Medical Professionals.

What protective factors lower the risk of suicide?

Protective factors include access, connections, communications, problem solving skills, reality orientation, culture/religion, and overall satisfaction with life.

Why is a sudden improvement in mood considered a potential warning sign rather than a sign of recovery?

Believing that an improvement in mood means the risk of suicide is over is a myth; a sudden improvement in mood after depression can indicate that the individual has made the decision to complete suicide and has gained the energy to carry it out.

What are examples of overt verbal statements indicating suicidal ideation?

Overt statements include: "I can't take it anymore.", "Life isn't worth living anymore.", "I wish I were dead.", "Everyone would be better off if I died.", and "Living is useless."

What are examples of covert verbal statements that may indicate suicidal ideation?

Covert statements include: "It's okay now. Everything will be fine.", "I won't be a problem much longer.", "Nothing feels good and never will again.", and "I want to give my body to medical science?"

What specific behavioral clues should a nurse assess as warning signs for suicide?

Behavioral clues include sudden changes such as giving away possessions, writing farewell notes, making one's will/putting affairs in order, sudden improvement after being depressed/withdrawn, and neglecting personal hygiene.

What does each letter stand for in the suicide assessment mnemonic IS PATH WARM?

Ideation, Substance abuse, Purposelessness, Anxiety, Trapped, Hopelessness, Withdrawal, Anger, Recklessness, Mood Changes.

Which two questions must always be asked directly to a person suspected of being at risk for suicide?

"Are you thinking about killing yourself?" and "Are you thinking about hurting yourself?"

What factors must be evaluated when assessing a client's suicide plan?

The nurse must assess intent, lethality, availability of means, and any injury suffered from previous attempts.

Which standard assessment tools are highlighted for evaluating suicide risk in nursing practice?

The SAD PERSONS Scale and the SAFE-T assessment.

How frequently must client activity be documented during suicide precautions in a crisis period?

Client activity must be documented every $15\,\text{minutes}$ or as per facility protocol.

What medication management precautions should be taken in the post-crisis period for a suicidal patient?

If medications are used for anxiety or depression, only a $1\text{--}3\,\text{day}$ supply should be provided, and administration must be monitored by family or a significant other.

When should interventions for survivors of suicide be initiated, and what are key nursing considerations?

Interventions should be initiated $24\,\text{to}\,72\,\text{hours}$ after death. Key considerations include reassuring survivors that feeling like they are "going crazy" and feeling anger toward the deceased are normal, monitoring for common PTSD, and connecting survivors to self-help groups and counseling.