Non-Fatal Suicide Attempt in an Adult

A 20 year-old female is admitted to a psych unit from the ED with a diagnosis of suicide attempt and depression. She is accompanied by her mother. Initially, the participant should perform a mental health assessment for a client in a short-term mental health setting, exhibit professional caring attitude, and understand concepts of basic suicide precautions while maintaining a safe environment. The participant should demonstrate the use of therapeutic communications.

Shortly after admission to the unit, the mother begins shouting at the patient and is upset that her daughter attempted suicide. The daughter is staring at a wall and has a flat affect. As the nurse arrives, the mother begins yelling at the nurse. The nurse calls for help from other team members and the mother then begins threatening the staff as she is being escorted out of the room. The participant should exhibit therapeutic communications and safety measures and collaborate with other members of the health care team.

The daughter becomes violent, hitting/hurting herself and hitting/kicking staff. She is yelling that she wants to die. She is uncontrollable and is going to require medication and restraints. The participant will be expected to call the MD utilizing SBAR and obtain an order for medications and restraints. The participant will need to demonstrate knowledge about care of patients with restraints.

Learning Objectives

– Demonstrate an understanding of mental health assessment skills

– Apply the principles and techniques of therapeutic communication

– Communicate clearly and effectively

– Identify risk factors for mental illness

– Demonstrate an understanding of psychiatric terminology and pharmacologic therapy related to mental health

– Competently care for a suicidal patient and apply appropriate nursing interventions

– Apply the nursing process to clients with mood disorders, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, and substance abuse disorders

– Utilize critical thinking skills to solve problems

– Complete an acute mental illness assessment

– Exhibit professional attitude, appearance, confidentiality and safe practice at all times

– Identify appropriate nursing interventions for clients experiencing psychosis

– Identify safety measures utilized and/or needed

– Outline the nursing process to plan safe, evidence-based, patient-centered care to patients in short- and long-term care mental health settings

– Explain safety measures that pertain to patients, staff, and visitors in the mental health setting

– Identify collaborative, inter-professional relationships with members of the health care team, including the patient in a diverse population and the patient’s support persons, in the mental health setting

– Demonstrate use of therapeutic communication that facilitates interactions with patients and members of the healthcare team

– Interpret epidemiology, risk factors, and signs and symptoms of individuals who are experiencing common psychiatric disorders or mental health needs