Suicide Basics and Myths
This refers to thoughts of killing oneself.
Suicidal ideation
Social isolation, bullying, unemployment, financial crisis, and access to lethal means are examples of these.
Social risk factors for suicide
This theory focuses on genetics, brain chemistry, impulse regulation, and psychiatric illness.
Biological theory
This is the direct question nurses should ask when suicide is suspected.
"Are you thinking about killing yourself?"
This is the first priority when caring for a suicidal client.
Maintaining safety
This is the false belief that asking about suicide gives someone the idea.
Suicide myth
Shame, stigma, religious beliefs, family expectations, and help-seeking attitudes are examples of these influences.
Cultural factors related to suicide
This theory focuses on hopelessness, helplessness, worthlessness, shame, guilt, and cognitive narrowing.
Psychological theory
Asking how, when, and where the client would kill themselves assesses this.
Suicide plan
Staying with the client, removing hazards, and initiating precautions are examples of this goal.
Suicide prevention or safety
This is the correct nursing action when a client hints at suicide.
Ask directly about suicidal thoughts
This motivation for suicide involves wanting relief from unbearable emotional or physical pain.
Escape from unbearable pain
This theory focuses on isolation, feeling like a burden, loss of belonging, and lack of support.
Sociological or interpersonal theory
Asking whether the client has firearms, medications, or other methods available assesses this.
Access to means
“I’m glad you told me” and “I want to help you stay safe right now” are examples of this type of communication.
Therapeutic communication
“Everyone would be better off without me” is an example of this.
A suicide warning statement
Substance intoxication, psychosis, mania, impulsivity, or delirium may lead to suicide attempts through this category.
Impaired judgment
In children, talk of death, drawings about death, giving away toys, regression, and sudden behavior changes require this.
Suicide assessment
Asking “How likely are you to act on these thoughts?” assesses this.
Suicidal intent
Warning signs, coping strategies, support people, crisis contacts, and reducing access to lethal means are parts of this.
A safety plan
A sudden calm mood after severe distress may be concerning because the client may have done this.
Decided on a suicide plan
A previous suicide attempt is one of the strongest examples of this.
A suicide risk factor
In older adults, chronic pain, bereavement, disability, isolation, and loss of independence may increase this.
Suicide risk
Children, pets, faith, future goals, support people, and willingness to seek help are examples of these.
Protective factors
This Clinical Judgment step includes determining whether the client is safe, suicidal intensity decreased, lethal means are restricted, and follow-up is arranged.
Evaluating outcomes