Which of the following behaviors would most likely qualify for an emergency inpatient psychiatric evaluation?

• A. A person occasionally forgetting appointments due to stress
• B. A person expressing active suicidal intent with a specific plan
• C. A person experiencing mild anxiety before an exam
• D. A person feeling sad after a breakup but able to function at work

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the criteria for an emergency inpatient psychiatric evaluation, which typically involves behaviors indicating immediate risk to self or others, such as active suicidal intent with a specific plan.
2. Step 2: Evaluate each behavior option against these criteria, focusing on the severity and immediacy of risk presented by the behavior.
3. Step 3: Recognize that occasional forgetfulness due to stress, mild anxiety before an exam, and sadness after a breakup without functional impairment do not meet the threshold for emergency evaluation.
4. Step 4: Identify that expressing active suicidal intent with a specific plan indicates a high risk of harm and therefore qualifies for emergency inpatient psychiatric evaluation.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the behavior involving active suicidal intent with a specific plan is the most appropriate choice for emergency inpatient psychiatric evaluation.