Author Question: The nurse in an emergency department is conducting mental health assessments. The nurse recognizes ... (Read 63 times)

Starlight · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

The nurse in an emergency department is conducting mental health assessments. The nurse recognizes that which patients are at greatest risk for a suicide attempt? Select all that apply.

1. A 45-year-old with a personality disorder
2. A 19-year-old with a recent diagnosis of schizophrenia
3. A 35-year-old working mother who is brought in by her co-worker
4. A 22-year-old soldier recently returned from deployment in Afghanistan
5. A 15-year-old who sprained his ankle while camping with his church group

Question 2

A community health nurse is providing education to a group of mental health employees regarding the influence of the economy on the suicide rate within the community. What statement by the mental health employee indicates the need for further teaching?

1. Suicide rates increase during times of war.
2. Suicide rates decrease during times of war.
3. Suicide rates increase during times of economic distress.
4. Suicide rates decrease during times of economic growth.

Jane · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Answer: 1, 2, 4
Explanation: Individuals with schizophrenia are at increased risk for suicide if they are young, recently diagnosed, or have a history of hospitalization. Individuals with personality disorder are also at increased risk, as are active military personnel younger than 25 and who have a history of recent deployment to Iraq or Afghanistan. The working mother who is brought in by a co-worker has some level of external support, as does the teenager who sprained his ankle while camping with his church group. These patients are less likely to be at risk for suicide at this time.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: 1
Explanation: Statistics are useful to understand trends in order to determine what population of individuals may be at risk for completion of suicide. Economic factors contribute to the suicide rate. Suicide rates decrease, not increase, during times of war. Suicide rates also increase during times of economic distress and decrease during times of economic growth.