What is the most appropriate approach when a patient expresses suicidal thoughts?

What is the most appropriate approach when a patient expresses suicidal thoughts?

• A. Dismiss feelings and change topic.
• B. Encourage discussion and assess risk.
• C. Promise to keep patient safe without plan.
• D. Tell them to sleep.

Answer: (B)

When a patient reveals suicidal thoughts, the priority is to open a calm, nonjudgmental conversation that invites them to share more while you quickly assess danger. Encouraging discussion and assessing risk is the best approach because it builds trust, provides crucial information about intent, plan, means, timing, and protective factors, and guides immediate safety actions. You want to determine how imminent the risk is and what steps are needed to keep the patient safe, such as ensuring a safe environment, removing access to means, and involving the appropriate mental health professionals or crisis services. Always document what you learn, provide crisis resources, and collaborate on a short-term safety plan that includes coping strategies and emergency contacts. Dismissing feelings, promising safety without a concrete plan, or instructing someone to sleep do not address the risk and can miss critical warning signs.

When a patient reveals suicidal thoughts, the priority is to open a calm, nonjudgmental conversation that invites them to share more while you quickly assess danger. Encouraging discussion and assessing risk is the best approach because it builds trust, provides crucial information about intent, plan, means, timing, and protective factors, and guides immediate safety actions. You want to determine how imminent the risk is and what steps are needed to keep the patient safe, such as ensuring a safe environment, removing access to means, and involving the appropriate mental health professionals or crisis services. Always document what you learn, provide crisis resources, and collaborate on a short-term safety plan that includes coping strategies and emergency contacts. Dismissing feelings, promising safety without a concrete plan, or instructing someone to sleep do not address the risk and can miss critical warning signs.