A nurse in a mental health facility is assessing a client.

• The client has a medical history of major depressive disorder for 20 years, anxiety disorder, suicide ideation during teenage years, and psychotherapy for the past 10 years with a therapist.
• The client's mother committed suicide when the client was 25 years of age, and the father died of heart disease 10 years ago.
• The client has a history of alcohol misuse, attended in-patient rehabilitation 4 years ago with no alcohol use since that time.
• The nurse notes indicate good physical health with no reported morbidities.

For each client assessment finding, specify if the finding is a potential risk for suicide or a protective factor against suicide.

The correct answer/s is Choice/s.

Choice A rationale: Mental health support is generally considered a protective factor against suicide. Effective mental health care can help individuals manage their mental health conditions, which can reduce the risk of suicide.

Choice B rationale: Family history, particularly a family history of suicide, is a risk factor for suicide. The client’s mother’s suicide could potentially increase the client’s risk.

Choice C rationale: Good physical health is typically seen as a protective factor against suicide. Serious physical health conditions, including chronic pain, can increase suicide risk, but the client is reported to be in good physical health.

Choice D rationale: Support systems, such as feeling connected to family and community, are protective factors against suicide. They can provide emotional support and help individuals feel less isolated.

Choice E rationale: Alcohol consumption, especially misuse or addiction, is a risk factor for suicide. However, the client has attended rehabilitation and has not used alcohol for the past 4 years, which could be seen as a protective factor.

Choice F rationale: Access to lethal means is a risk factor for suicide. Limiting access to lethal means is a societal protective factor.