• What are some risk factors for suicide?
o Protective factors?
o How will you ask patients and what will your response be?
• What are some strategies being implemented at a state level or national level to help reduce suicide attempts?
Think about quality improvement programs and some critical thinking skills on your part when assessing these patients.
Sample Solution
Risk factors for suicide include a history of depression or other mental health issues, substance abuse, grief, financial problems, social isolation, physical illness or chronic pain, feelings of hopelessness or helplessness, access to firearms and family history of suicide. Other potential risk factors include traumatic life events such as the death of a loved one or job loss; exposure to violence; access to lethal means; recent discharge from an inpatient psychiatric facility; and changes in sleep patterns.