Exam Preview for 2536: Comprehensive Suicide Prevention & Risk Mana

Comprehensive Suicide Prevention & Risk Management: Assessment, Intervention, and Ethical Considerations for Health Professionals

Please note: exam questions are subject to change.

1. Suicidal ideation is defined as: Attempting suicide but surviving Thinking about or planning suicide Having a mental illness Acting impulsively during a stressful situation
2. Which of the following factors is the strongest predictor of future suicide attempts? Substance abuse Acute illness Previous suicide attempt Social isolation
3. According to 2022 data, what was the overall suicide rate in the U.S. per 100,000 population? 2.0 5.0 10 14.8
4. Which demographic had the highest suicide rate in 2022 based on racial/ethnic groups? Non-Hispanic Black people Hispanic people Non-Hispanic American Indian and Alaska Native people Asian and Pacific Islander people
5. Which statement best explains “intersectionality” as described in this course? The myriad of factors and contexts that may shape an individual and the way they identify themselves A screening tool for suicide An interdisciplinary network for professionals to support people at risk for suicide A mental health disorder
6. Which of the following is considered a modifiable risk factor for suicide? Age Access to lethal means Genetic predisposition Past trauma
7. Which of the following describes a warning sign of acute suicide risk? A sudden interest in future plans Talking about feeling hopeless or having no purpose Increased participation in social activities Improved work performance
8. What is the primary reason for emphasizing direct language when discussing suicidal ideation with patients? To make the conversation more casual To ensure clarity and understanding To assess the clinician's calmness To avoid patient discomfort
9. What is the benefit of understanding cultural backgrounds when addressing suicide risk? It allows for generalized treatment plans It minimizes individual experiences It helps tailor interventions to be more effective and relevant It reduces the need for screening tools
10. What is the purpose of using structured suicide screening tools? To guarantee no follow-up is needed To provide consistent and reliable risk assessments To replace clinical judgment entirely To diagnose mental health conditions
11. Which of the following is a suicide screening tool? Ask Suicide-Screening Questions (ASQ) Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) Client-Oriented Scale of Improvement (COSI) All of the above
12. Before implementing a suicide screening program, what must be in place? A plan for continuity of care, including timely referrals and resources Multilingual staff and onsite interpreter services Grant funding to cover costs Onsite pharmacy
13. Which statement is true about the U.S. Suicide and Crisis Lifeline number 988? It is confidential and free It is available to call or text 24/7 There are trained veteran crisis counselors available All of the above
14. What is a key component of safety planning for someone at risk of suicide? Providing detailed explanations of mental health disorders Identifying personal warning signs and coping strategies Conducting annual follow-ups only Ignoring signs of distress
15. How frequently should suicide risk be monitored in patients receiving ongoing mental health care? Only once a year Every five years Only during crises Regularly and frequently
16. What is an essential consideration when reducing access to lethal means? Disregarding the importance of family involvement Restricting access to firearms or medications during crises Avoiding discussions to maintain privacy Ignoring access to lethal means
17. What is a recommended strategy for secure firearm storage? Storing in a high, open shelf Using trigger or cable locks Keeping them near household medications Disassembling partially
18. Why might safe storage alone be insufficient during a suicidal crisis? It ensures complete security Individuals may bypass locks or access keys It addresses the root cause of distress It eliminates all risks
19. Which group has the highest suicide completion rates, particularly among older males? Adolescents and young adults Older adults LGBTQ+ individuals Veterans
20. Which element is critical in a risk assessment for suicidal patients? Evaluating access to lethal means Avoiding patient concerns to focus on risk factors Delaying discussions for accuracy Skipping documentation for privacy
21. Which component of a safety plan involves identifying support individuals? Warning Signs Internal Coping Strategies External Coping Strategies Professional Support
22. What is an essential part of collaboration when creating safety plans? Ignoring family involvement Collaborating with patients and their support systems Relying on clinicians only Avoiding discussing high-risk scenarios
23. What is the main advantage of removing lethal means from the home? It eliminates the need for storage It reduces the likelihood of impulsive actions It ensures immediate access during crises It provides a long-term solution to distress
24. Which resource provides immediate help for veterans in crisis? Local library Veterans Crisis Line Gymnasium Book club
25. Why is engaging clients with previous suicide attempts crucial? They have a lower risk of future attempts Past behavior predicts future suicide risk They no longer require supervision They have no access to means
26. What is a critical ethical consideration in suicide risk assessment? Avoid discussing risk factors Document all actions and decisions thoroughly Always conduct assessments without patient input Delay interventions to gather more data
27. Which cultural factor can impact suicide prevention strategies? Ignoring family traditions Tailoring interventions to individual cultural beliefs Avoiding discussions of cultural background Generalizing cultural practices
28. What is the role of professional support in a safety plan? To provide immediate therapeutic intervention To assist only when the patient requests help To avoid collaboration with external resources To replace family involvement entirely
29. What is the key ethical principle when discussing suicide with a client? Using vague language to reduce discomfort Being direct, compassionate, and culturally sensitive Ignoring client concerns to focus on facts Avoiding disclosure of the clinician’s plan
30. What is an important consideration in post-intervention follow-up? Focus solely on completed assessments Reassess risk levels and adjust safety plans as needed Minimize ongoing support to encourage independence Avoid discussing interventions with the client
31. What is the purpose of a lethality assessment? To determine the presence of suicidal thoughts To evaluate the client’s access to lethal means To assess the immediacy of suicide risk All of the above
32. What is a clinician’s role in restricting access to lethal means? Leave decisions solely to the client Actively involve the client and family in safety planning Avoid discussing specific lethal means Focus only on short-term solutions
33. What is the significance of collaborative safety planning? It allows clients to work without supervision It ensures that clients are part of the planning process It replaces clinical judgment It delays interventions
34. What is the first step in assessing a client at immediate suicide risk? Conduct an emergency risk assessment Recommend family counseling Focus on unrelated topics to ease anxiety Avoid addressing risk directly
35. What is the main goal of suicide awareness training for clinicians? To delay treatment until crises are severe To ensure clinicians can identify and manage risks effectively To avoid legal liability To generalize all clients' needs