Suicide Risk Assessment
What indicated the highest suicide risk?
Plan + Lethal Means
What are common symptoms of PTSD?
Flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, avoidance
What is anhedonia?
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
What are symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder?
Excessive worry, restlessness, muscle tension, fatigue
What is delirium?
Sudden confusion, fluctuating attention, acute onset (24–48 hours)
What are some examples of suicidal verbal warning statements?
"I wish I wasn't here", "I want to die", "life isn't worth living"
What are evidence-based treatments for PTSD?
Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), EMDR therapy
What defines Persistent Depressive Disorder?
≥2 years of chronic low mood with low energy and poor concentration
What are symptoms of a panic attack?
Sudden intense fear, chest pain, SOB, trembling, sweating
Progressive memory loss, impaired judgment, long-term decline
dementia (Alzheimer’s disease)
What are behavioral warning signs of suicide?
Giving away belongings, sudden calm after depression, withdrawal
What are priority nursing interventions for PTSD?
Provide safety, structure, consistent routines, calm environment
What are symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder?
Sadness most of the day, sleep/appetite changes, fatigue, worthlessness, suicidal ideation
What are appropriate interventions for anxiety disorders?
Encourage verbalization, provide calm environment, teach coping skills
take 4–6 weeks for full effect, may initially increase anxiety
SSRIs
What are priority nursing interventions for suicidal ideation?
Remove means (guns, pills, sharp objects), stay with patient, initiate safety precautions
First line medication that can help patients with PTSD?
SSRI's
What is the key difference between MDD and PDD?
MDD = episodic severe depression; PDD = chronic long-term low mood
What are compulsions in OCD?
Repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed to reduce anxiety (e.g., handwashing, checking, counting)
Patient is taking Fluoxetine and reports agitation, confusion, hyperreflexia, fever, muscle rigidity. What diagnosis would the nurse consider?
serotonin syndrome
What are major suicide risk factors?
Prior suicide attempts, hopelessness, social isolation, untreated depression, terminal illness, family history
What medication is used for nightmares in PTSD?
Prazosin
Which neurotransmitters are decreased in depression?
Serotonin and Norepinephrine
Sudden intense fear with chest pain, SOB, trembling, sweating, feeling of doom. What type of anxiety is this patient presenting with?
Panic Attack
What are common causes of delirium?
UTI, dehydration, infection, medication toxicity