The nurse is planning an educational program for families of patients who have attempted suicide. The nurse should include which of the following statements in the teaching plan?

Explanation

• Suicidal patients usually give clues about their intentions. Clues may be subtle and may be ignored, or loved ones may disregard them because they are in denial about the seriousness of their depression.

• When speaking to friends and family of people who have attempted suicide, sensitivity is of the utmost importance because they may feel guilt about having "missed" the clues.

• While suicidal patients may give overt clues, most convey their intentions more subtly. These may be verbal statements about problems being solved or about putting their personal affairs in order.

• Most suicidal patients are ambivalent about the act and may seek assistance before the act because they change their mind a few times prior to the attempt.

• Suicidal patients may display behaviors that convey their despair. This includes confusion, irritability, complaints of exhaustion, and feelings of hopelessness.

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