Which assessment finding of an older adult living in an assisted-living facility indicates the highest risk for suicide?

a. Liver failure is due to alcohol abuse; older adult is popular at meals.
b. Older adult declines company; is preoc-cupied with lethal weapons.
c. Refuses to allow a large, extended family to help him.
d. Older adult had an overdose of acetami-nophen 20 years ago; is in a sewing group.


B
The older adult who prefers to be alone and is preoccupied with lethal weapons has two risk fac-tors for suicide. This individual warrants close observation for additional risk factors and verba-lization and indicators of future suicide attempts. The nurse should also increase the frequency of observations and account for his whereabouts at all times.
The individual who has a serious illness and a history of alcohol abuse has two risk factors for suicide. However, this older adult also relishes social interaction, which is an indication that suicide is less likely to be imminent or even in the individual's thoughts. The older adult who will not accept help from the family exhibits a potential risk factor for suicide or is an exceedingly proud individual who wants to be self-sufficient. History of a suicide attempt is a risk factor for suicide; however, the acetaminophen overdose could have been accidental.

Nursing

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