Chapter 19: self-harm behaviour and suicide

A PMH nurse is participating in an educational workshop addressing suicide. Which statements most accurately describe an aspect of the epidemiology of suicide in Canada?

a. the suicide rate among aboriginals is nearly 50% higher than that of non-aboriginals

b. the most salient risk factor for suicide is presence of a pervious suicide attempt

c. firearms are the most common means of death by suicide in Canada

d. men are more likely than women to attempt suicide but women are more likely to complete suicide

answer: B

the major risk factor for suicide is a previous suicide attempt. Suicide rates among aboriginals are double than that of non-aboriginals. Women attempt suicide more frequently than men but are less likely to complete suicide. Strangulation and suffocations are most common means of suicide

A student at a junior high school has completed suicide, and a PMH nurse is participating in the follow-up with the student body. The nurse should prioritize which of the following when interacting with the students?

a. teaching the students about the links between parasuicide and suicide

b. downplaying the significant of the event in order to minimize students' trauma

c. ensuring that no other students make an attempt of suicide in the ensuring days and weeks

d. educating students about the risk factors that culminated in the student's attempt of suicide

answer: C

involuntary hospitalization is being considered in the care of a client who has expressed suicidal ideation. What criterion must be met before the individual can be admitted?

a. the client must lack insight into the aetiology and severity of his or her mental health disorder

b. the client must not have been under the care of a psychiatrist at the time of the threat

c. the client must pose a demonstrable risk to his or her own safety

d. the client must have a documented history of major depressive disorder

answer: C

The nurse has been working with a client with history of depression. During the nurse's current interview, the client states, "sometimes I feel like it would just be so much simpler if I wasn't here anymore." What is the nurses's most appropriate response?

a. when you say, If I wasn't here anymore, what do you mean?

b. I can tell you from my experience with many clients that it's not the answer

c. would you like me to arrange a meeting with the psychiatrist

d. I'm very sorry that you feel like suicide may be a good option

Answer: A

A nurse is caring for a client who has just been admitted to the PMH unit following a suicide attempt. Which assessments and interventions should be included in the client's plan of care? Select all that apply

a. allow the client to make independent decisions around his or her care whenever it is safe to do so

b. educate the client about the potential benefits of electroconvulsive therapy

c. educate the client about the fact that restraints will be used if he or she does not participate in care

d. perform a comprehensive risk assessment when possible to do so

e. observe the client on a scheduled basis to identify any threats to the client's safety

f. leave the client alone whenever safe in order to reduce stressors

answer: A, D, E

People who complete suicide often have extremely low levels of which neurotransmitter?

a. acetylcholine

b. GABA

c. serotonin

d. norepinephrine

Answer: C

Which is accurate statement regarding women and suicide?

a. the are more likely to choose a more lethal method than men

b. they attempt suicide less often than men

c. they are less likely to complete suicide than men

d. they are more likely to die from attempted suicide than men

Answer: C

Which mental health disorder has the most significant risk factor for suicide

a. Schizophrenia

b. anxiety

c. mania

d. depression

Answer: D

When seeing a young adult client who has been depressed and expressing thoughts of hopelessness but has not overtly reported having thoughts of suicide. Despite the fact that the client has not reported suicidal thoughts, the nurse should initiate a suicide risk assessment with the client for which reason?

a. the client feels vulnerable to stigma

b. the client lives with extended family

c. young adults tend to use manipulation

d. this is a standard assessment

Answer: D

The nurse educator is teaching a class on the theories underlying suicide. Teaching has been effective when the students identify which factors as playing a role in suicide? Select all that apply

a. serotonin dysfunction

b. low serum iron levels

c. low levels of dopamine

d. low thyroid-stimulating hormone

e. childhood trauma

Answer: A, C, & E