Published
I would guess, without knowing anything else about the situation, that she was placed on suicide precautions so that she would be continuously (or v. frequently) observed, not because of a fear that she wants to kill herself but because of the risk of her doing other non-lethal but dangerous things to herself -- but "suicide precautions" are what that level of observation is called at that facility, so that's how the order is written.
exactly what i was thinking....this was the way to get her the care that she required..I would guess, without knowing anything else about the situation, that she was placed on suicide precautions so that she would be continuously (or v. frequently) observed, not because of a fear that she wants to kill herself but because of the risk of her doing other non-lethal but dangerous things to herself -- but "suicide precautions" are what that level of observation is called at that facility, so that's how the order is written.
These individuals are at risk for "accidental" suicide. Many will try and exacerbate their symptomology by self-inflicting wounds (opening surgical wounds), ingesting substances (injecting pus in an IV, wound), avoid early treatment of a real problem in order for the condition to become serious, etc. Thus, the suicide precautions necessary in their care.
Mortality/MorbidityAlthough patients with Munchausen syndrome are generally medically knowledgeable and sophisticated, their manipulations sometimes result in unintended serious injury, permanent disability, or death.
kabenkula
6 Posts
I recently had a patient diagnosed with Munchausen Syndrome admitted to the surgical floor for surgery. This patient was placed on suicide precautions. Because I don't know much about this sydrome, does anyone know if they are at an increased risk for suicide? I thought that with this syndrome, the patient was more interested in gaining attention versus actually committing suicide. Does anyone have any information for me that could help in the future?