An adolescent girl tells the nurse that she is very suicidal. The nurse asks her if she has a specific plan. Asking this should be considered:

An adolescent girl tells the nurse that she is very suicidal. The nurse asks her if she has a specific plan. Asking this should be considered:

• A. Not a critical part of the assessment.
• B. Encouraging the adolescent to devise a plan.
• C. Suggesting that the adolescent needs a plan.
• D. An appropriate part of the assessment.

Answer: (D)

Directly asking about a specific plan is essential when assessing suicide risk in an adolescent. Knowing whether there is a concrete method, when they would use it, and how they would obtain the means helps determine how imminent the danger is and what level of intervention is needed. This information guides immediate safety actions, such as ensuring supervision, removing access to means, involving family, and considering inpatient treatment if a feasible plan with means exists. Asking about a plan does not introduce or encourage one; rather, it provides the critical data needed to protect the patient and tailor the response. If no plan is present but there is intent or ideation, risk remains high and requires vigilant safety planning and ongoing support.

Directly asking about a specific plan is essential when assessing suicide risk in an adolescent. Knowing whether there is a concrete method, when they would use it, and how they would obtain the means helps determine how imminent the danger is and what level of intervention is needed. This information guides immediate safety actions, such as ensuring supervision, removing access to means, involving family, and considering inpatient treatment if a feasible plan with means exists. Asking about a plan does not introduce or encourage one; rather, it provides the critical data needed to protect the patient and tailor the response. If no plan is present but there is intent or ideation, risk remains high and requires vigilant safety planning and ongoing support.