You Are Called to the Scene of an Attempted Suicide

question 51

Multiple Choice

You are called to the scene of an attempted suicide.You arrive to find a 25-year-old man sitting on the sofa who apparently cut his wrists.Family members have bandaged them,and there does not appear to be any bleeding risk at this time.The scene is secure.Which action would you NOT take in treating this patient?

• A) As soon as possible, perform a history and physical exam and provide emergency care on the wrist, if necessary.
• B) Perform a detailed physical exam only if it is safe and you suspect the patient may have an injury.
• C) Contact the receiving hospital and report on current mental status and other essential information.
• D) Make sure you take charge of the situation. Let the patient know that what he has done is wrong. Tell him he is coming with you whether he likes it or not. Do not worry about gaining the patient's confidence. Take charge. The patient must know that you are the boss.

---

Definitions:

Birth

The act or process of bearing or bringing forth offspring from the uterus, marking the beginning of a new individual's life outside the mother's body.

Money

An official currency, in the form of banknotes and coins, used as a medium of exchange, unit of account, and store of value.

Child

A child is a young human being below the age of puberty or below the legal age of majority, usually defined as a person under the age of 18.

Psychological Maladjustment

A state of being unable to adapt or cope effectively with the demands of personal and social environment, leading to emotional distress or behavioral problems.