To assess suicide risk in an intoxicated patient who says I can't take it anymore, which action is appropriate?

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Multiple Choice

To assess suicide risk in an intoxicated patient who says I can't take it anymore, which action is appropriate?

Directly assessing suicide risk starts with asking about a specific plan. Even when someone is intoxicated, their risk can be real and may depend on how they would act, when, and with what means. Asking focused questions like whether they have a plan to harm themselves, what that plan entails, and when they would do it helps you gauge immediacy and necessary action. If there is a concrete plan and means, you need to escalate safety: keep the patient safe, arrange urgent medical and mental health evaluation, and involve appropriate authorities or crisis services as required. If no plan is present, continue to monitor closely, provide support, and arrange timely mental health follow-up after stabilization. This approach is preferred because it directly clarifies risk and guides the next steps in safety and care, rather than delaying assessment or resorting to restraints or law enforcement when not immediately indicated.

Directly assessing suicide risk starts with asking about a specific plan. Even when someone is intoxicated, their risk can be real and may depend on how they would act, when, and with what means. Asking focused questions like whether they have a plan to harm themselves, what that plan entails, and when they would do it helps you gauge immediacy and necessary action. If there is a concrete plan and means, you need to escalate safety: keep the patient safe, arrange urgent medical and mental health evaluation, and involve appropriate authorities or crisis services as required. If no plan is present, continue to monitor closely, provide support, and arrange timely mental health follow-up after stabilization. This approach is preferred because it directly clarifies risk and guides the next steps in safety and care, rather than delaying assessment or resorting to restraints or law enforcement when not immediately indicated.

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