To assess whether the client no longer has thoughts of harming others, which question is most appropriate?

To assess whether the client no longer has thoughts of harming others, which question is most appropriate?

• A. Do you think about hurting anyone now?
• B. Do you have a history of violence?
• C. How do you feel about your father now?
• D. Tell me about the relationship with your father.

Answer: (A)

Direct inquiry about present ideation is key because risk depends on what the client is thinking right now. Asking “Do you think about hurting anyone now?” targets current thoughts and intent, giving you real-time information about potential danger. Questions about a history of violence only reveal past events, not what the client is thinking at this moment, and questions about feelings toward or the relationship with a father are unrelated to whether they have ongoing thoughts of harming others.

Direct inquiry about present ideation is key because risk depends on what the client is thinking right now. Asking “Do you think about hurting anyone now?” targets current thoughts and intent, giving you real-time information about potential danger. Questions about a history of violence only reveal past events, not what the client is thinking at this moment, and questions about feelings toward or the relationship with a father are unrelated to whether they have ongoing thoughts of harming others.