Suicide Assessment in Older Adults

Depression and memory loss

Serotonin imbalance; Exercise, eat well, manage stress, smile and do nice things for yourself

50% higher risk

<p>Assessment of brain chemistry and cognitive function</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Environmental modification and supervision; removing tripping hazards, installing handrails, and providing adequate lighting</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Preventing complications and hospitalization; through prompt diagnosis, antibiotic therapy, and oxygen support</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The essential considerations for obtaining psychosocial assessment data from older adults are that they should be rested, assessed in short sessions, and after establishing some rapport. Additionally, being sensitive to their anxiety, special needs, and disabilities, and protecting their privacy is crucial. These considerations can impact the quality of the assessment by ensuring the individual is comfortable and able to provide accurate information, leading to a more complete psychological profile.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Delirium is characterized by a sudden onset, fluctuating course, and reduced alertness, whereas dementia is a gradual decline in cognitive function. Depression is a mood disorder that can be differentiated from delirium and dementia by its symptoms and impact on daily functioning. A comprehensive assessment, including a thorough medical history, can help clinicians differentiate between these conditions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Repeated assessments can capture the individual's variability in cognitive function, mood, and behavior, which can be influenced by time of day, environment, and other factors. This approach can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the individual's strengths, challenges, and needs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Failing to consider an older adult's anxiety, special needs, and disabilities can lead to inaccurate assessment data, decreased cooperation, and increased distress. This can result in a incomplete or inaccurate psychological profile, which can negatively impact treatment and care planning.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Geriatric assessment tools, such as the MMSE, can be used to evaluate cognitive function, which can help differentiate between delirium, dementia, and depression. The MMSE can assess attention, memory, language, and visuospatial skills, providing valuable information for diagnosis and treatment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The key features of delirium include a sudden onset, fluctuating course, reduced alertness, and disordered attention. These features can inform clinical practice by highlighting the importance of monitoring for these symptoms, particularly in older adults with underlying medical conditions or those taking medications that can contribute to delirium.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Assessing gun safety, as gun access is a significant risk factor for suicide in older adults.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>To identify potential risk factors for delirium, depression, and suicidal ideation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Medication reactions can increase the risk of falls, and addressing polypharmacy and medication management can help prevent falls.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Assessing and addressing underlying functional and nutritional status, as well as potential cognitive impairment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It helps identify potential risk factors for depression, suicidal ideation, and other mental health conditions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It helps identify potential risk factors for elder abuse, and informs the development of a comprehensive care plan.</p> Signup and view all the answers