What is the first step when addressing a suicidal inmate?

What is the first step when addressing a suicidal inmate?

• A. Remove clothing/ all items
• B. Check every 15 minutes
• C. Provide social contact
• D. Search them

Answer: (A)

The first priority is safety, so you remove clothing and all items that could be used for self-harm. This immediate action eliminates the most accessible means of harming oneself and creates a safer environment to assess risk and arrange further support. After that protective step, you would proceed with monitoring and supportive interventions (such as communication and mental health involvement). The other actions are important parts of care, but they don’t reduce the immediate risk as quickly as removing potential means.

The first priority is safety, so you remove clothing and all items that could be used for self-harm. This immediate action eliminates the most accessible means of harming oneself and creates a safer environment to assess risk and arrange further support. After that protective step, you would proceed with monitoring and supportive interventions (such as communication and mental health involvement). The other actions are important parts of care, but they don’t reduce the immediate risk as quickly as removing potential means.