Chapter 23: Suicidal Thoughts and Behavior Test 1 Nurs 165

Vocabulary flashcards covering key definitions, risk factors, assessment tools, verbal/behavioral signs, statistics, and nursing interventions for suicidal thoughts and behavior.

Physician-Assisted Suicide (PAS)

A movement supporting the right of mentally competent adults to humanely end their own suffering under strict guidelines, which is legally sanctioned in few jurisdictions and is distinct from euthanasia.

2021 U.S. Suicide Mortality Statistics

Data indicating suicide as the 11th leading cause of death in the US with 48,183 deaths, 1.7 million attempts, White males accounting for 69.7% of completed suicides, and an average of 132 suicides daily (1 every 10.9 minutes).

Biologic Risk Factors for Suicide

Biological influences including irregularities in serotonin production and usage, potential predisposing genes, alterations in brain structures affecting mood/motivation/cognition, and chronic illness.

Psychologic Risk Factors for Suicide

Psychological characteristics including depressed mood, intense anxiety, psychosis, command hallucinations, hopelessness, helplessness, impulsivity, aggression, negative thinking patterns, and difficulty with problem-solving skills.

Sociologic Risk Factors for Suicide

Social factors including intense interpersonal conflicts, isolation, lack of social support, poverty, homelessness, recent major loss (divorce, death, retirement), incarceration, and exposure to suicidal behaviors of others.

High Risk Groups for Suicide

Specific populations highlighted for suicide assessment, including Military Veterans, LGBTQIA, Adolescents, Older Adults, and Medical Professionals.

Protective Factors for Suicide

Attributes that lessen suicide risk, including access, connections, communications, problem-solving skills, reality orientation, culture/religion, and overall satisfaction with life.

IS PATH WARM?

An assessment mnemonic for suicide warning signs standing for Ideation, Substance abuse, Purposelessness, Anxiety, Trapped, Hopelessness, Withdrawal, Anger, Recklessness, and Mood Changes.

Overt Statements

Direct, explicit verbal expressions indicating suicidal intent, such as 'I can't take it anymore,' 'I wish I were dead,' or 'Living is useless.'

Covert Statements

Indirect or veiled verbal clues indicating suicidal ideation, such as 'It's okay now. Everything will be fine,' 'I won't be a problem much longer,' or 'I want to give my body to medical science.'

Suicidal Behavioral Clues

Observable warning actions such as giving away possessions, writing farewell notes, putting affairs in order/making a will, sudden improvement after being depressed or withdrawn, and neglecting personal hygiene.

SAD PERSONS Scale

A standardized clinical assessment tool used to evaluate suicide risk score and assist in determining the clinical care plan.

Crisis Period Interventions

Immediate safety measures including institutional protocol adherence, suicide precautions, milieu management, direct observation, documenting client activity every 15 minutes, and establishing potential no-suicide contracts.

Post-crisis Interventions

Nursing measures after acute crisis, including arranging stays with family/friends or hospitalization, removal of weapons/medications, limiting anxiety/depression medication supplies to 1–3 days monitored by others, and activating community supports.

Interventions for Survivors of Suicide

Support initiated 24 to 72 hours after death to address feelings of 'going crazy,' normal anger toward the deceased, common occurrence of PTSD, and connection to self-help groups or counseling.