A client states, "I have a plan to kill myself tonight." Whi… | MyMerci
Mental Health ConceptsPSI
Question
A client states, "I have a plan to kill myself tonight." Which action is the nurse's priority?
1Stay with the client and initiate suicide safety precautions.✓ Correct answer
2Promise to keep the statement secret to build trust.
3Leave the client alone to collect personal belongings.
4Tell the client to think positively and reassess tomorrow.
Explanation
A specific suicide plan requires immediate safety precautions, including staying with the client and reducing access to means according to policy. Promising secrecy, leaving the client alone, or delaying action is unsafe. Therapeutic communication occurs while maintaining safety.
In-depth explanation
Clinical Judgment Use the client cues, timing, labs, and safety risks to select the response that best fits Suicide safety precautions.
Memory Tip Match the strongest cue cluster to the safest nursing judgment.
KR vs US NCLEX items reward cue-based priority thinking rather than isolated recall.
Clinical scenario
Clinical Practice Guide For Suicide safety precautions, compare the complete cue pattern with the client's current stability, ordered data, and expected nursing scope.
Caution Do not choose an action from one isolated cue when the full scenario changes priority or safety.
Key concepts
Suicide Risk — The likelihood that a person may attempt self-harm with intent to die.
Safety Precautions — Environmental and observation measures used to reduce immediate harm risk.
Therapeutic Presence — Staying with a client in a calm supportive manner during distress.