What is the guideline for patients at suicide risk regarding access to potentially harmful items?

• A. Allow access to common items
• B. Isolate the patient in a locked room
• C. Provide unrestricted access to belongings
• D. Do not give them anything they can use to harm themselves

Answer: (D)

When someone is at risk of suicide, the priority is safety through removing access to anything that could be used to self-harm. The best approach is to not give them anything they can use to harm themselves, which means identifying and removing or securing potentially dangerous items (like sharp objects, cords, belts, razors, certain medications) and providing appropriate supervision as needed. This safety-focused environment supports treatment and reduces opportunities for self-harm while the care team develops a plan. Other options would increase risk or fail to protect the patient, such as allowing access to common items, isolating in a locked room as a routine measure, or giving unrestricted access to belongings.