Question

A 45-year-old man presents to the emergency department with chest pain and expresses hopelessness, stating that he has considered "ending it all". He has a specific plan to overdose on medications and access to these medications at home. According to suicide risk assessment principles, what is the most appropriate immediate action?

Accepted Answer

Arrange urgent psychiatric assessment and consider involuntary admission for safety

Answer

Discharge him with reassurance and a follow-up appointment in 2 weeks

Answer

Advise him to remove medications from his home and return if he feels worse

Answer

Start an antidepressant and send him home

Answer

Ignore the suicidal statements and focus on his chest pain investigation

Practice question