Patient Information: John is a 36-year-old man who was referred to a mental health nurse practitioner, Sarah, after expressing thoughts of suicide. He is divorced, lives alone, and has recently lost his job due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Joh

Treatment of the Suicidal Patient: A Comprehensive Approach 

Introduction: 

This case study is designed for mental health nurse practitioner students to explore the assessment and treatment of a suicidal patient, John, with a focus on a comprehensive approach. The case emphasizes the critical role mental health nurse practitioners play in assessing and managing patients at risk of suicide. 

Case Study: 

Patient Information: John is a 36-year-old man who was referred to a mental health nurse practitioner, Sarah, after expressing thoughts of suicide. He is divorced, lives alone, and has recently lost his job due to the COVID-19 pandemic. John reports feeling overwhelmed, and hopeless and has difficulty sleeping. He has a history of major depressive disorder and has previously attempted suicide in his early twenties. 

Review of Systems: 

• General: John reports feeling fatigued, with low energy and motivation. 
• Mood: He describes persistent sadness, hopelessness, and feelings of worthlessness. 
• Sleep: John reports significant insomnia, with difficulty falling asleep and frequent awakenings. 
• Appetite/Weight: He has experienced a loss of appetite and has lost 15 pounds over the past two months. 
• Concentration: John struggles with concentration and decision-making, which affects his daily functioning. 
• Energy: He frequently feels exhausted and lacks interest in activities he once enjoyed. 
• Psychomotor: John reports psychomotor agitation at times, such as restlessness and pacing. 

Medical History: 

• Major Depressive Disorder: John has a history of major depressive disorder and has received therapy and medication treatment in the past. 
• Previous Suicide Attempt: In his early twenties, John attempted suicide by overdose but survived and received psychiatric care. 
• Current Stressors: John has recently experienced significant life stressors, including job loss due to the pandemic and a recent divorce. 

Surgical History: 

John has no significant surgical history. He has never undergone any major surgical procedures. 

Medication History: 

John’s medication history includes previous prescriptions for: 

• Sertraline (Zoloft) for depression and anxiety. 
• Escitalopram (Lexapro) for depression. 
• Lorazepam (Ativan) for acute anxiety or panic attacks. 
• None of these medications provided long-term relief. 

Previous Suicide Attempts: 

John attempted suicide in his early twenties by taking an overdose of medication. He survived this attempt and received psychiatric care. 

Family History: 

John’s family history includes: 

• A maternal aunt who has a history of bipolar disorder. 
• His paternal grandfather had a history of alcoholism and depression. 

Physical Examination: 

During the physical examination, John presents with the following findings: 

• General appearance: John appears disheveled, with poor grooming and hygiene. 
• Vital signs: Blood pressure 140/90 mm Hg, heart rate 96 bpm, respiratory rate 18 bpm, temperature 98.2°F (36.8°C). 
• General physical examination: There are no significant abnormalities observed during the examination of his skin, head, neck, chest, and abdomen. 
• Neurological examination: No focal neurological deficits are noted. 

Mental Examination: 

During the mental examination, John presents with the following characteristics: 

• Affect: John’s affect is consistently sad and constricted, with minimal emotional expressiveness. 
• Mood: He reports a pervasive low mood, hopelessness, and thoughts of suicide. 
• Thought Process: His thought process is organized, but he demonstrates rumination and self-criticism. 
• Perception: John denies any hallucinations or delusions. 
• Cognition: His cognitive functioning appears intact, with no signs of disorientation or impairment in attention, memory, or abstract thinking. 
• Insight and Judgment: John acknowledges the need for help and expresses concern about his suicidal thoughts.  

Students are to complete the sections below. 

Assessment: As mental health nurse practitioner students, your task is to conduct a thorough assessment of John using a comprehensive approach. 

1. Suicidal Ideation Assessment: 
2. Psychiatric and Medical History: 
3. Social and Environmental Assessment: 
4. Substance Use Assessment: 
5. Safety Assessment: 

Diagnosis: 

Based on your assessment, provide a provisional diagnosis for John. Consider specific mental health diagnoses, including major depressive disorder, and assess the level of suicide risk. 

Treatment Plan: 

Develop a comprehensive treatment plan for John that addresses his suicidal ideation and underlying mental health needs. Consider the following elements: 

1. Crisis Intervention: 
2. Psychotherapy: 
3. Medication Management: 
4. Social Support: 
5. Safety Planning: 
6. Follow-Up and Monitoring: 

Conclusion: 

The treatment of suicidal patients requires a comprehensive and vigilant approach by mental health nurse practitioners. This case study of John underscores the importance of thorough assessment, risk evaluation, crisis intervention, and ongoing support in managing individuals at risk of suicide. Mental health nurse practitioner students must develop the skills and knowledge necessary to provide effective care to patients like John, with a focus on ensuring their safety and well-being. 

Case Study Analysis Rubric