Suicide Risk Quiz: Can You Assess The Danger?

1. Which of the following is an appropriate nursing response to a patient expressing suicidal ideation?

'Don't worry; suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.'

'Tell me more about what you're experiencing and how you're feeling.'

'You have so much to live for; cheer up.'

'I'll be back to check on you later.'

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5. Which assessment finding most accurately indicates imminent suicide risk requiring hospitalization?

Passive suicidal ideation without plan

Active ideation with specific plan, means, and intent

History of previous attempts only

Depressed mood lasting two weeks

6. A patient states, 'I've decided to give away my belongings.' What does this behavior suggest?

Generosity and improved mood

Possible preparation for suicide

Financial planning

No clinical significance

7. Which psychosocial factor is most protective against suicide in older adults?

Retirement from work

Sense of purpose and social engagement

Living alone

Multiple chronic illnesses

8. A patient with chronic schizophrenia reports hearing voices commanding self-harm. This represents which type of suicide risk?

Passive ideation

Active ideation with command hallucinations

Chronic low-level risk

No imminent risk

9. Which environmental modification is most critical for a patient on suicide precautions?

Dimming lights to promote calm

Removing access to potential means of self-harm

Increasing visiting hours

Providing privacy for the patient

10. A patient who survived a suicide attempt is at highest risk for another attempt within what timeframe?

First 24 hours

First week

First month

First year

11. Which of the following is the most significant risk factor for completed suicide in adolescents?

Recent academic failure

Previous suicide attempt

Social media use

Family history of anxiety

12. A patient reports feeling hopeless and states, 'Nothing will ever get better.' This reflects which cognitive distortion commonly seen in suicide risk?

Catastrophizing

All-or-nothing thinking

Hopelessness and perceived burdensomeness

Personalization

13. Which medication class carries a black box warning for increased suicidal ideation in young adults?

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Benzodiazepines

Antipsychotics

Mood stabilizers

14. A patient with bipolar disorder in a manic episode is at increased suicide risk primarily because of which factor?

Mania itself causes suicidal thoughts

Impulsivity during mania combined with access to means

All manic patients eventually become suicidal

Antipsychotic medications increase suicide risk

15. Which statement by a suicidal patient indicates the highest immediate risk?

'I wish I were dead, but I would never do anything about it.'

'I have a gun at home and I know exactly when I'll use it.'

'I've been thinking about suicide for months.'

'My family would be better off without me.'

16. A patient discloses suicidal ideation with a specific plan and means. What is the nurse's immediate action?

Document the information and reassess in 24 hours

Notify the provider and implement safety precautions immediately

Ask the patient to promise not to harm themselves

Allow the patient time alone to process their feelings

17. Which of the following is a protective factor against suicide?

Social isolation

Access to lethal means

Strong family relationships and support

Chronic pain or illness

18. A patient with depression suddenly becomes calm and peaceful after weeks of agitation. What is your primary concern?

The antidepressant medication is finally working

The patient may have made a suicide decision and found relief

The patient is entering remission

The patient no longer needs psychiatric care

19. Which demographic group has the highest rate of completed suicide in the United States?

Females aged 25–34

Males aged 75 and older

Males aged 15–24

Females aged 45–54

20. A patient states, 'I've been thinking about ending my life, but I don't have a plan.' This represents which level of suicide risk?

Low risk

Moderate risk

High risk

Imminent risk

Suicide Risk Quiz: Can You Assess the Danger?