Is it okay to ask a patient: do you want to kill yourself?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Only with Consent
• D. Never in Clinical Settings

Answer: (A)

Asking directly about suicide is a standard, essential part of risk assessment. Direct, nonjudgmental questions about suicidal thoughts open the conversation, help you understand the level of danger, and can be life-saving by identifying intent, planning, and means. You don’t need consent to ask this; in clinical settings it’s appropriate to explore whether a patient is considering self-harm. If there is any indication of active intent or a concrete plan, follow safety protocols: ensure the patient’s immediate safety, obtain professional evaluation, and connect them with crisis resources. Avoiding the question or delaying it in a crisis can miss imminent danger, which is not appropriate in clinical contexts.