Asked by Jason DeAngelis on May 25, 2024
Verified
A 79-year-old white male tells a nurse, "I have felt very sad lately. I do not have much to live for. My family and friends are all dead, and my own health is failing." The nurse should analyze this comment as
A) normal pessimism of the elderly.
B) evidence of risks for suicide.
C) a call for sympathy.
D) normal grieving.
Risks For Suicide
Factors that increase the likelihood of an individual attempting to take their own life.
- Familiarize yourself with the risk indicators and analysis strategies for suicidal thoughts in senior individuals.
Verified Answer
VM
Vishnu ManoharanMay 27, 2024
Final Answer :
B
Explanation :
The patient describes loss of significant others, economic security, and health. He describes mood alteration and voices the thought that he has little to live for. Combined with his age, sex, and single status, each is a risk factor for suicide. Elderly white males have the highest risk for completed suicide.
Learning Objectives
- Familiarize yourself with the risk indicators and analysis strategies for suicidal thoughts in senior individuals.