Conduct a structured suicide risk assessment using the C-SSRS or similar tool, evaluating attempt circumstances, current ideation, means access, and protective factors.

The Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) or similar structured tool should guide the assessment. Key factors: Was the attempt impulsive or planned? What was the medical lethality? Did the patient take steps to avoid discovery? What precipitated the attempt? What is the home environment — are means accessible, is there adequate supervision, are family stressors ongoing? A 17-year-old saying "I just want to go home" after an attempt requires careful evaluation, not face-value acceptance. Recent attempters who minimize or deny ideation post-attempt remain high risk.

Administer the PHQ-A to quantify depressive symptom severity and base the disposition decision on whether the score falls below clinical threshold.

The PHQ-A screens for depression severity, not suicide risk. A depression screener does not substitute for a structured risk assessment after an attempt.

Document low risk based on his denial of current SI and plan for discharge with outpatient follow-up within one week.

Denial of SI after a recent attempt is not reassuring. Patients may deny ideation to expedite discharge. The recency of the attempt is a stronger risk indicator than the patient's current self-report.

Obtain a psychiatric consult because disposition decisions after a suicide attempt fall outside the PMHNP's independent scope of practice.

Suicide risk assessment is a core PMHNP competency. Disposition requires structured risk assessment and team-based decision-making, not deferral to another provider.