Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

Which patient is at lower risk for suicide based on common risk factors?

1. A 66-year-old White male whose wife of 40 years recently died

2. A high school student with a history of bipolar disorder

3. A depressed 45-year-old female with family history of suicide

4. A 17-year-old teen who has only 1 close friend in school

The correct answer is: A 17-year-old teen who has only 1 close friend in school

The patient described as a 17-year-old teen with only one close friend in school is at lower risk for suicide compared to the others listed. While having a limited social support network can pose risks, the other scenarios presented include a variety of risk factors that significantly elevate suicide risk. The 66-year-old White male who recently lost his wife is facing a substantial life stressor and demographic factors associated with higher suicide risk, including age, gender, and recent bereavement. The high school student with a history of bipolar disorder has a mental health condition known for its association with increased suicide risk, particularly during manic or depressive episodes. The depressed 45-year-old female with a family history of suicide faces compounded risks due to her own mental health struggles and the hereditary aspect of suicidal behavior, both of which make her more vulnerable. In contrast, the teen with only one close friend may indicate social limitations, but this scenario does not include significant stressors or mental health conditions linked to increased suicide risk. Thus, this patient is considered at a comparatively lower risk in this specific context.