Question

A 17-year-old Mi'kmaq youth presents with suicidal ideation and heavy alcohol use to a small rural emergency department. The nearest inpatient psychiatric unit is several hours away. Which action best reflects appropriate emergency care and CanMEDS roles?

Accepted Answer

Keep him safe in the ED, conduct a structured suicide risk assessment, involve family and community supports with consent, and liaise with regional mental health and Indigenous services for urgent follow-up or transfer

Answer

Discharge him with a pamphlet because transport is difficult

Answer

Tell him to return only if he attempts self-harm

Answer

Arrange transfer without communicating with his family or community

Answer

Focus only on alcohol use and ignore suicidality

Practice question

A 17-year-old Mi'kmaq youth presents with suicidal ideation and heavy alcohol use to a small rural emergency department. The nearest inpatient psychiatric unit is several hours away. Which action best reflects appropriate emergency care and CanMEDS roles?