Vivian: Great! Do you keep a firearm or other weapon in your house?

Sonia: I don't keep guns anywhere near myself or my house.

Vivian: That's good to hear. I have one more question for you. Has anything happened in your life recently that caused you to be intensely sad, such as the death of a loved one?

Sonia: No, nothing sad has happened to me lately.

Vivian: Well, thank you for answering these questions, Sonia. Conversations and information like this will help you and me get through your treatment smoothly. I will see you later!

From our conversation, you should have recognized these skill elements from the Suicide Risk Assessment Checklist handout:

•  Establish trust/rapport.
•  Obtain history.
•  Ask questions about suicidal thoughts.
•  Ask follow up questions to determine if the patient has a plan, means, and opportunity.
•  Determine if suicide prevention management or emergency treatment is required.