Which of the following examples best demonstrates providing reassurance to a patient who appears to be suicidal?

• A. Telling the patient that you care about their well-being and that help is available.
• B. Ignoring the patient's statements about suicide to avoid making them uncomfortable.
• C. Advising the patient to keep their feelings to themselves so others do not worry.
• D. Changing the subject when the patient mentions feeling hopeless.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of reassurance in a psychological context. Reassurance involves providing comfort, support, and a sense of safety to someone who is distressed, especially when they express thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
2. Step 2: Identify the key elements of effective reassurance: expressing care, validating the person's feelings, and offering hope or resources for help.
3. Step 3: Evaluate each option by checking if it includes these elements. For example, ignoring or changing the subject avoids addressing the patient's distress and does not provide support.
4. Step 4: Recognize that advising the patient to keep feelings to themselves can increase isolation and is not supportive or reassuring.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the best example of reassurance is the option that explicitly communicates care and availability of help, which directly addresses the patient's emotional needs and encourages seeking support.