MH HW Chapt 17-21.

1. How are age, race, and gender associated with suicide risk? AGE: Suicide risk and age are, in general, positively correlated, particularly with men. Rates among women remain fairly m constant throughout life, rates among men increase with age. Most recently the highest rate of suicide occurred in the 45- to 64- year old age group and among those 85 or older. Suicide is also the 2nd leading cause of death for those aged 15-34, the 4th leading cause of death for those aged 35-44. RACE: Highest rates of suicide occurs among Caucasians followed by American Indians. GENDER: Males are at higher risk for suicide than females, but females attempt suicide more frequently. 2. Your neighbor tells you he is going to visit his sister-in-law in the hospital. The sister-in-law has been hospitalized after attempting suicide. Your neighbor asks, “What should I say when I go to visit Jane?” What suggestions might you give him? Listen actively and encourage expression of feelings, including anger. Do not shy aware or make the patient feel ashamed. You can talk openly and matter-of-factly about suicide. 3. John’s father died by suicide when John was a teenager. John’s wife, Mary, tells the mental health nurse that she is afraid John “inherited” that predisposition from his father. How should the nurse respond to Mary? Suicide is not an inherited trait although a family history of suicide increases an individual’s risk for suicide. I would then ask Mary why she feels John has inherited this predisposition? I would then address any risk factors or warning signs Mary has noticed and make sure Mary is aware of things to look out for. 4. The nurse notes that the mood of a client being treated for depression and suicidal ideation suddenly brightens, and the client states, “I feel fine now. I don’t feel depressed anymore.” Why would this statement alert the nurse of a potential problem? A sudden lift in mood is considered a behavioral clue that may indicate a decision to carry out suicidal intent. 5. Write a one- to two-page journal reflecting on your previous experiences with suicide, examining your thoughts and feelings and their potential impact on your nursing practice. (Note: Self-awareness on this issue of suicide is identified as an essential competency for psychiatric nurses and is relevant to all nurses in developing skills necessary for this aspect of nursing assessment and intervention).