Theories of suicide:
what are some psychological theories
anger
hopelessness
history of aggression and violence
shame/humiliation
define interpersonal theory of suicide
Care for a patient at risk of suicide, you as a nurse must have a plan/interventions. What are some interventions/plans to care for your patient?
provide a safe environment, close observation, medications, make rounds at irregular times, encourage expression of feelings, safety plan
Theories of suicide:
what are some sociological theories
durkheim: egoistic, altruistic, anomic
interpersonal theory of suicide
the three-step theory
define the three-step theory
it is a concise, evidence-based, and actionable theory that explains suicide in terms of four factors: pain, hopelessness, connection, and capability for suicide.
What are some signs of improvement to look for in your patient?
verbalizes options, makes long-term plans, verbalizes hope, responding to medications, sleeping better, less hopeless, energy, reconnecting with family
absence of social integration - suicide is seen as a solution for them to free themselves from loneliness or excessive individuation
Theories of suicide:
what are some biological theories
genetics
neurochemical factors
At an outpatient treatment facility, you as a nurse can help your patient with suicidal thoughts by...
never leave the person alone, provide a safe environment, frequent mental health care follow-up and support, gain family support (take any threats seriously, listen & express concern, provide resources)
define altruistic
social group involvement is too high - individuals kill themselves for the collective benefit of the group or for the cause that the group believes in
what are some presenting s/sx of a patient at risk of suicide?
ideation, substance abuse, purposelessness, anger, trapped, hopelessness, withdrawal, anxiety, recklessness, mood.
What are the long term goals for your suicidal patient?
develop and maintain positive self concept, effective ways to express feelings, successful interpersonal relationships, sense of belonging
define anomic
lack of social regulation and it occurs during high levels of stress and frustration - anomic suicide stems from sudden and unexpected changes in situations.
for example, when individuals suffer extreme financial loss, the disappointment and stress that individuals face may drive them towards committing suicide as a means of escape.
A patient at risk of suicide will have ideations, will threaten, and have past attempts. As a nurse, you must ask about their plans for suicide. how would you go about asking?
be therapeutic and direct
"do you think about suicide? have you tried/thought about committing suicide before? if you were to commit suicide, how will you carry out your plan?" do they have the means to do it?
What can you tell a patient when they believe that all has gone wrong?
encourage therapy, listen, allow time to grieve, teach coping strategies, provide resources