Question

A 19-year-old First Nations man presents to clinic with low mood and passive thoughts of "not wanting to be here". As his family physician practising in his community, which approach to suicide risk assessment BEST aligns with Canadian guidance and cultural safety principles?

Accepted Answer

Ask directly about suicidal thoughts, plan, means and supports in a non-judgemental, culturally safe manner

Answer

Avoid direct questions about suicide to prevent "putting ideas in his head"

Answer

Rely solely on a paper suicide risk scale completed in the waiting room

Answer

Immediately detain him under mental health legislation without assessment

Answer

Tell him these feelings are normal and schedule follow-up in 3 months

Practice question

A 19-year-old First Nations man presents to clinic with low mood and passive thoughts of "not wanting to be here". As his family physician practising in his community, which approach to suicide risk assessment BEST aligns with Canadian guidance and cultural safety principles?