# A client states, "I have a plan to kill myself tonight." Which action is the nurse's priority?

> source: MyMerci (mymerci.kr)  
> url: https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=396619&lang=en  
> language: en  
> subject: Mental Health Concepts  
> category: PSI

## Question

A client states, "I have a plan to kill myself tonight." Which action is the nurse's priority?

## Option

1. Stay with the client and initiate suicide safety precautions. **✔ Correct answer**
2. Promise to keep the statement secret to build trust.
3. Leave the client alone to collect personal belongings.
4. Tell the client to think positively and reassess tomorrow.

**Correct answer: 1**

## 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.

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