You use the sadPeRsONsscale to assess J.B.'s potential for suicide and find that he is at a 4 on the 10-point scale. J.B. tells you that he has just had general thoughts of suicide

Question

but has not really thought about how he would do it. you recall that there are two types of suicide methods based on lethality:
higher-risk or hard methods, and lower-risk or soft methods.

Which of these would be considered soft methods of suicide? Select all that apply.
a. Using a gun
b. Slashing one's wrist
c. Hanging
d. Poisoning with carbon monoxide
e. Ingesting pills
f. Inhaling natural gas

What immediate interventions would you carry out for J.B.?

Answer 1

Answer: b, e, f
These lower-risk methods, also called "soft" methods, are less lethal than the higher-risk methods
such as using a gun, hanging, or inhaling carbon monoxide.

• Conduct an immediate assessment of his safety. This will need to be done by a mental health
professional.
• Contact the physician and alert him or her to your findings.
• Facilitate the referral to community mental health services.
• Ensure that J.B. is not left alone. Monitor him closely.