Suicidal Veteran

Case Description

68-year-old male navy veteran admitted to your unit from the ER for intentional overdose and hypotension. His son found him at home unconscious. The son said that there were empty pill bottles at home, which were the patient’s heart/blood pressure medications. However, the patient reports taking only a few pills. The veteran has not been eating and been sad over the past few months because his wife died a month ago. The son is concerned the veteran took all of his heart medicine and blood pressure medicine in a suicide attempt. Mr. Simon has a history of CAD, HTN, osteoarthritis and diabetes. He is awake, alert and oriented X4. No known allergies and ambulates with a cane. Admitted to an inpatient medical unit for intentional beta-blocker overdose, bradycardia/hypotension, dehydration. Since admission the patient’s vital signs have improved. Labs done in ER CBC, BMP, drug screen and EKG.

Learning Objectives

1. Demonstrate knowledge of MEDVAMC Suicide prevention program policy (SAVE)
2. Demonstrate knowledge of National Patient Safety Goals during patient care
3. Demonstrate the ability to communicate with providers and caregivers using the SBAR tool