Overview
Introduction
Suicide risk assessment is a focused clinical judgment process, not a conclusion drawn from a single screening score.
Suicide risk assessment is a focused clinical judgment process, not a conclusion drawn from a single screening score. The nurse determines whether the patient has suicidal thoughts, intent, a specific plan, access to the planned method, or preparatory behavior, then identifies factors that increase or reduce immediate danger. A patient who denies suicidal thoughts may still require assessment when behavior, psychosis, intoxication, recent loss, or a past attempt raises concern. Screening and assessment are different. The USPSTF recommends screening adults for major depressive disorder, including pregnant and postpartum persons and adults 65 years and older, but reports insufficient evidence for routine suicide-risk screening in the general adult population. When concern is present, asking directly about suicide and completing a focused assessment remain necessary. [1]