A client admitted to a psychiatric facility after multiple suicide attempts should be managed with which initial precaution?

• A. Discharge her after a brief assessment.
• B. Place her on a 72-hour hold.
• C. Keep her on a 24-hour hold.
• D. Schedule outpatient follow-up.

Answer: (C)

Safety and stabilization take priority when someone has attempted suicide, so the initial precaution is to place her on a short-term hold for close observation. A 24-hour hold provides an immediate safety net: it allows the treatment team to monitor for ongoing suicidality, assess mental status and capacity, manage risk factors, remove access to means, and begin crisis intervention and safety planning. If concerns about danger persist after this initial period, further assessment can guide whether a longer hold or additional inpatient care is needed. Discharging after a brief assessment or scheduling outpatient follow-up does not address the immediacy of risk, and a longer hold is appropriate only if the risk remains after initial stabilization.