Which of the following is an appropriate approach when assessing suicide risk?

Which of the following is an appropriate approach when assessing suicide risk?

• A. Threats should be taken seriously
• B. Treat threats as non-credible unless there is evidence
• C. Only medical staff handle threats
• D. Do not document threats

Answer: (A)

Taking suicide threats seriously is the key principle here. In a corrections setting, a statement or threat of self-harm can signal real risk even if it seems vague. Treating it as credible prompts immediate, safety-focused actions: ask direct questions about intent, plan, and timing; remove or reduce access to means if possible; involve a supervisor and mental health professionals; document what was said and the steps taken; and arrange ongoing monitoring. This approach helps protect the person and others and creates a clear safety plan. Other approaches fail safety: treating threats as non-credible without evidence can miss real danger; leaving threat management to medical staff alone disregards the responsibility of all staff to maintain safety; and not documenting threats loses important information and undermines accountability and follow-up care.

Taking suicide threats seriously is the key principle here. In a corrections setting, a statement or threat of self-harm can signal real risk even if it seems vague. Treating it as credible prompts immediate, safety-focused actions: ask direct questions about intent, plan, and timing; remove or reduce access to means if possible; involve a supervisor and mental health professionals; document what was said and the steps taken; and arrange ongoing monitoring. This approach helps protect the person and others and creates a clear safety plan.

Other approaches fail safety: treating threats as non-credible without evidence can miss real danger; leaving threat management to medical staff alone disregards the responsibility of all staff to maintain safety; and not documenting threats loses important information and undermines accountability and follow-up care.