Chapter 22 - Suicide Prevention: Screening, Assessment, and Intervention

Flashcards covering essential vocabulary and concepts related to suicide prevention, including definitions of key terms, risk factors, theoretical frameworks, and nursing interventions.

Suicide

The voluntary act of killing oneself, often resulting from significant emotional distress or mental health issues.

Suicidality

Encompasses all behaviors and thoughts associated with completing or attempting suicide, including suicidal ideation.

Suicidal Ideation

Refers to the thoughts and planning involved in contemplating one's own death.

Suicide Attempt

A nonfatal act where an individual inflicts self-harm with the explicit intent to die.

Parasuicide

An apparent attempt at suicide where the individual does not intend to end their life, often referred to as a suicidal gesture.

Lethality

The likelihood that a person will successfully complete suicide based on their circumstances and actions.

Mental Disorders and Suicide

Most individuals who die by suicide are diagnosed with a mental disorder, often highlighting the connection between mental health issues and suicide.

Warning Signs of Suicide

Most suicides are preceded by warning signs indicating distress or suicidal thoughts.

Physical Risk Factors

Chronic illness, disability, and access to lethal means that can contribute to suicide risk.

Psychological Risk Factors

Conditions like depression and anxiety that significantly elevate the risk of suicide.

Social Risk Factors

Factors such as isolation and lack of support that can exacerbate suicidal ideation.

Demographic Risk Factors

Factors such as gender, sexuality, race, and ethnicity that play a role in suicide risk.

Biological Theories

Emphasize the role of genetic factors and neurochemical imbalances in contributing to suicidal behavior.

Psychological Theories

Focus on cognitive patterns and emotional factors that lead to suicidality.

Social Theories

Examine broader contexts of suicidal behavior, including societal stigma and economic disadvantages.

Supportive Environments

Settings that foster trust and open communication, allowing patients to express feelings and fears.

Signs of Distress

Indicators such as talking about death, increased substance use, feelings of hopelessness, and withdrawal from social connections.

Evaluation of Intent

Assessing an individual's mindset and urgency regarding their suicidal thoughts.

Evidence-Based Nursing Care

Grounded in practices that ensure appropriate treatment and intervention strategies are promptly implemented.

Comprehensive Strategies

Approaches that emphasize emotional connections, hope, and crisis management plans to prevent suicide.

Nursing Interventions for Imminent Risk

Key actions taken by nurses to ensure the safety and emotional stability of patients at risk for suicide.

The Importance of Documentation

Crucial for effective suicide prevention; involves recording assessments and interventions to influence treatment outcomes.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Involves various healthcare professionals working together to create a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to individual needs.