MH 709 FINAL Q&A 2023/2024

1. What is the difference between PMHNPs screening of versus assessment of suicide? - Answer- Screening will identify if there is an issue that needs further assessment, whereas assessment helps to determine the actual level of risk. 1. Which is the MOST important in the PMHNP assessment of suicide risk factors? - Answer- Clinical judgement. 1. How are chronic suicidal risk factors different than acute suicide risk factors? - Answer- Chronic factors are unchangeable and non-modifiable. 1. What are five examples of chronic suicide risk factors? - Answer- History of psychiatric illness; Substance abuse (etoh=10x greater risk, IV drug use=14x greater risk); Age; Gender (men =4x greater risk); Chronic medical condition or pain; Single/unmarried; Family history of suicide; History of psychiatric hospitalizations; History of child abuse. 1. Which is the MOST potent chronic risk factor for suicide? - Answer- Previous suicide attempt. The more lethal the past attempt, the greater the risk. 1. What are five examples of suicide mitigating factors? - Answer- No recent history of suicide attempts; Good social supports/married; No substance abuse; No weapons in the home; Willing & motivated to engaged in treatment; Non-psychotic; Able to state reasons for living; Employment; Faith beliefs against suicide. 1. Should the PMHNP quantify risk of suicide through the use of assessment tools alone? - Answer- No. Assessment tools can be used as one measure in addition to clinical judgment. Suicide risk is difficult to quantify and suicides are difficult to predict with accuracy. 1. What are the two areas of focus for the PMHNP to determine level of suicide risk? - Answer- SDI: Suicidal Desire and Ideation (reasons for living, lack of deterrents to attempt), and RPP: Resolved Plans and Preparation (availability of means, specificity of plans). 1. A patient with a history of multiple suicide attempts would be considered what level of risk? - Answer- Chronic high risk. 1. What are three factors that create an "acute" risk of suicide? - Answer- Presence of a crisis; Significant life stressors; Increased symptomatology. 1. What steps would the PMHNP take next if a patient has been determined to have a severe suicide risk? - Answer- Immediate hospitalization, involve family and possibly law enforcement