skip to main content

Suicidal ideation — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardPsychiatry (outpatient management)Suicidal ideationUSMLE Step 3

A 42-year-old with depression has considered shooting himself, has a firearm at home, cannot commit to a safety plan, and lives alone. What is the best immediate disposition?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C — Arrange urgent emergency psychiatric evaluation and restrict access to lethal means

Access to a firearm, suicidal planning, and inability to maintain safety indicate imminent risk. He needs emergency evaluation and action to reduce lethal-means access rather than a routine outpatient plan.

Reference: NIMH: Adult Emergency Department Brief Suicide Safety Assessment Guide: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/research/research-conducted-at-nimh/asq-toolkit-materials/adult-ed/adult-emergency-department-brief-suicide-safety-assessment-guide