Introduction
NANDA stands for North American Nursing Diagnosis Association and is a taxonomy of nursing diagnoses developed by the association which is used by nurses to identify the potential health problems of a patient. Suicidal behavior is one of the many nursing diagnosis used by NANDA, suggesting that a patient has an increased risk of exhibiting suicidal behavior.
Nursing Diagnosis Definition
Nursing Diagnosis: Suicidal Behavior Risk
The NANDA definition of Suicidal Behavior Risk is “at risk for engaging in activities that may lead to death”.
Defining Characteristics
Subjective
- Expressions of hopelessness and helplessness
- Verbal expressions of wishing to die or commit suicide
- Complaints of inability to cope with current problems
- Inability to concentrate on solving problems
- Exposure to suicidal behavior by others
Objective
- Low self-esteem
- History of emotional deprivation
- History of physical or sexual abuse
- Family history of mental illness or suicide
- Repetitive self-injurious behavior
- Loss of job or financial collapse
- Recent loss of a loved one
- Genetic and neurological factors
- Social isolation
- Stress
- Unrealistic expectations of the self
- Depression and other environmental impacts
- Alcohol and drug use
Risk Population
Those at risk for developing suicidal behavior include adolescents, elderly individuals, those with mental illness and those with chronic medical conditions.
Associated Problems
Those exhibiting suicidal behavior can experience long-term physical, social and emotional problems, such as impaired coping skills, development of substance abuse and guilt.
Suggestions for Use
nursing diagnosis can be used to assess patient risk for developing suicidal behavior. Assessment should include physical, psychological and social factors including the patient's support system, mental and medical state and history, availability of alcohol and drugs, and expressions of emotion.
Suggested Alternative Nursing Diagnoses
- Chronic Low Self-Esteem
- Impaired Social Interaction
- Ineffective Coping
- Loneliness
- Powerlessness
- Risk for Ineffective Health Maintenance
- Risk for Suicide
- Situational Low Self-Esteem
Usage Tips
When using nursing diagnosis, it is important to provide individualized care plans that address the particular needs of the patient. Additionally, healthcare personnel should be aware of local regulations and ethical guidelines when providing care and services to those who may exhibit suicidal behavior.
NOC Results
- Anxiety Control: The patient's level of anxiety is minimized, controlled, and the potential interactions with the environment are identified.
- Depressive Symptomatology: The patient's depressive symptoms are declined and managed, and the patient's capacity for daily tasks is improved.
- Coping: The patient's coping abilities are improved and alternate coping strategies are developed.
- Social Interaction: The patient's interactions with those around them are improved, and the patient's support system is strengthened.
NIC Interventions
- Provide emotional support: Talk with the patient in a nonjudgmental manner to provide emotional support and help the patient ventilate.
- Assess safety: Monitor the patient’s safety on an ongoing basis and ensure that the patient has access to resources and support.
- Encourage positive communication: Interact positively with the patient and provide honest feedback and relevant advice.
- Teach problem solving skills: Work with the patient to develop strategies and skills to manage stress, solve problems, and make healthier decisions.
Conclusion
Suicidal behavior risk is a nursing diagnosis defined in the NANDA taxonomy which is used to assess the potential for a patient developing suicidal behaviors. When caring for a patient at risk for suicide, it is important to assess physical, psychological and social factors, and provide individualized care plans with interventions targeted to minimize the risk of suicide.
FAQs
- What is suicidal behavior risk? Suicidal behavior risk is a nursing diagnosis defined in the NANDA taxonomy which is used to assess the potential for a patient developing suicidal behaviors.
- How is it assessed? Assessment should include physical, psychological and social factors including the patient's support system, mental and medical state and history, availability of alcohol and drugs, and expressions of emotion.
- What are some possible interventions? Possible interventions could include providing emotional support, assessing safety, encouraging positive communication, and teaching problem solving skills.
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