Study Points

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Participation Instructions
- Review the course material online or in print.
- Complete the course evaluation.
- Review your Transcript to view and print your Certificate of Completion. Your date of completion will be the date (Pacific Time) the course was electronically submitted for credit, with no exceptions. Partial credit is not available.

A patient who recently experienced a significant personal loss tells the healthcare provider, "My family would be better off without me." The patient has also begun giving away valued possessions. How should the provider interpret these findings?
- They are expected manifestations of uncomplicated grief.
- They indicate a potential imminent suicide crisis requiring prompt assessment.
- They suggest chronic suicide risk but no immediate danger.
- They are protective behaviors demonstrating acceptance of the loss.
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Which patient behavior is included in the IS PATH WARM mnemonic for identifying suicide warning signs?
- Increased appetite
- Social withdrawal
- Improved concentration
- Greater occupational engagement
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Which approach is most consistent with the recommendations for screening pediatric patients for suicide risk?
- Screen universally beginning at 8 years of age.
- Screen only adolescents who have a diagnosed depressive disorder.
- Screen all patients 12 years of age and older and screen patients 8 to 11 years of age when clinically indicated.
- Use depression screening alone because it identifies nearly all pediatric patients at risk for suicide.
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A healthcare professional suspects that a patient may be experiencing suicidal thoughts. Which opening statement is most appropriate?
- "You are not thinking about suicide, are you?"
- "Why would you want to hurt yourself?"
- "You look very upset. Tell me more about what is happening."
- "Please answer yes or no: Do you intend to die?"
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A patient acknowledges having suicidal thoughts. Which additional finding would indicate a higher level of suicide risk?
- The patient has nonspecific thoughts without a plan or intent.
- The patient has developed a specific plan, intends to act, and has access to lethal means.
- The patient is willing to discuss reasons for living.
- The patient identifies several supportive family members.
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A patient who appears intoxicated reports suicidal thoughts during an initial assessment. What is the most appropriate action?
- Discharge the patient after obtaining a verbal commitment to seek help.
- Delay all intervention until the patient independently returns when sober.
- Maintain the patient in an urgent care setting and repeat the assessment after the patient is sober.
- Accept the initial assessment as definitive because intoxication does not affect suicide-risk evaluation.
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A patient has persistent suicidal thoughts, a strong intention to act, access to lethal means, and difficulty controlling the impulse to act. Which intervention is most appropriate?
- Provide routine follow-up at the next scheduled visit.
- Give the patient educational materials and recommend independent counseling.
- Maintain direct observation, limit access to lethal means, and arrange immediate transfer with an escort for emergency evaluation and hospitalization.
- Refer the patient for outpatient evaluation within several weeks.
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Which statement accurately describes an evidence-based treatment for suicidal patients?
- Dialectical behavior therapy addresses life-threatening behaviors before therapy-interfering or quality-of-life behaviors.
- Psychotherapy should be avoided in patients with suicidal thoughts because discussing suicide increases risk.
- Cognitive-behavioral approaches focus exclusively on medication adherence.
- Relapse prevention is inappropriate until all suicidal thoughts have permanently resolved.
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After deciding that a suicidal patient requires referral to a mental health professional, what should the referring clinician do?
- Give the patient a list of providers and end the existing clinical relationship.
- Explain the reason for the referral, help arrange the appointment, and maintain follow-up with the patient.
- Avoid discussing the referral so the patient does not become anxious about stigma.
- Transfer all responsibility to the mental health professional immediately.
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Which action reflects best practice when creating a suicide safety plan?
- Ask the patient to sign a general promise not to engage in self-harm.
- Develop a written plan collaboratively that identifies warning signs, coping strategies, supportive contacts, professional resources, and methods for reducing access to lethal means.
- Use the same standardized plan for every patient to ensure consistency.
- Keep the plan exclusively in the medical record so it remains confidential.
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Back to Course Home
Participation Instructions
- Review the course material online or in print.
- Complete the course evaluation.
- Review your Transcript to view and print your Certificate of Completion. Your date of completion will be the date (Pacific Time) the course was electronically submitted for credit, with no exceptions. Partial credit is not available.

Complete Your CE

Suicide Recognition, Response, and Intervention

Study Points

A patient who recently experienced a significant personal loss tells the healthcare provider, "My family would be better off without me." The patient has also begun giving away valued possessions. How should the provider interpret these findings?

Which patient behavior is included in the IS PATH WARM mnemonic for identifying suicide warning signs?

Which approach is most consistent with the recommendations for screening pediatric patients for suicide risk?

A healthcare professional suspects that a patient may be experiencing suicidal thoughts. Which opening statement is most appropriate?

A patient acknowledges having suicidal thoughts. Which additional finding would indicate a higher level of suicide risk?

A patient who appears intoxicated reports suicidal thoughts during an initial assessment. What is the most appropriate action?

A patient has persistent suicidal thoughts, a strong intention to act, access to lethal means, and difficulty controlling the impulse to act. Which intervention is most appropriate?

Which statement accurately describes an evidence-based treatment for suicidal patients?

After deciding that a suicidal patient requires referral to a mental health professional, what should the referring clinician do?

Which action reflects best practice when creating a suicide safety plan?