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NCLEX · Mental Health Concepts

A client expresses thoughts of suicide. What is the nurse's priority action?

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Correct answer

Ensure the client's safety by not leaving them alone, directly asking about a suicide plan, and notifying the healthcare team

  1. A Leave the client alone to think
  2. B Tell the client to think positively
  3. C Promise to keep it a secret
  4. D Ensure the client's safety by not leaving them alone, directly asking about a suicide plan, and notifying the healthcare team

Why this is the answer

When a client expresses SUICIDAL thoughts, the PRIORITY is ensuring SAFETY: do NOT leave the client alone (provide constant observation as indicated); ASK DIRECTLY about suicidal ideation and whether they have a PLAN and means (asking does NOT increase risk — it allows assessment and intervention); remove potential means of harm; NOTIFY the healthcare team/provider immediately; implement suicide precautions per policy. NCLEX-PN psychosocial/crisis safety. NEVER promise to keep suicidal thoughts secret (safety overrides confidentiality), leave the client alone, or dismiss the feelings ('think positively'). Client SAFETY is always the top priority in suicidal ideation. Knowing the priority safety actions for a suicidal client (don't leave alone, assess plan, notify team) is a critical, heavily tested psychosocial/safety concept.
Source: NCLEX-PN Psychosocial — Suicide Risk/Safety

Practice more questions

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About this topic: Mental Health Concepts

Mental health concepts cover anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, eating disorders and personality disorders — the signs, the priority nursing concerns (safety first) and the therapeutic approach. This is one of 18 PN: Psychosocial Integrity questions on mental health concepts, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

New to this exam? Our NCLEX exam guide explains the format, scoring, and how to prepare.

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