What is the most significant factor in distinguishing those who ...

[SO00]

What is the most significant factor in distinguishing those who commit suicide from those who make suicidal attempts or threats?
 
  a. Level of stress
  b. Social isolation
  c. Degree of depression
  d. Desire to punish others

Question 2

An adolescent girl tells the nurse that she is very suicidal. The nurse asks her if she has a specific plan. How should asking about a specific plan be viewed?
 
  a. Not a critical part of the assessment
  b. An appropriate part of the assessment
  c. Suggesting that adolescent needs a plan
  d. Encouraging adolescent to devise a plan

[smrtceo]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Social isolation is a significant factor in distinguishing adolescents who will kill themselves from those who will not. It is also more characteristic of those who complete suicide versus those who make attempts or threats. Although the level of stress, the degree of depression, and the desire to punish others are contributing factors in suicide, they are not the most significant factor in distinguishing those who complete suicide from those who attempt suicide.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Routine health assessments of adolescents should include questions that assess the presence of suicidal ideation or intent. Questions such as Have you ever developed a plan to hurt yourself or kill yourself? should be part of that assessment. Adolescents who express suicidal feelings and have a specific plan are at particular risk and require further assessment and constant monitoring. The information about having a plan is an essential part of the assessment and greatly affects the treatment plan.

[SO00]

Excellent

[Joy Chen]

TYSM