What screening test should a nurse use to assess a client’s intent to die from suicide?

The Beck's Suicide Intent Scale is specifically designed to assess a person's intent to die by suicide. It evaluates the specifics of an individual's suicidal thoughts and plans, including factors like the seriousness of the intent and the planning involved. This scale focuses on the individual’s mental state and the seriousness of their thoughts regarding suicide, making it the most appropriate tool for identifying suicidal intent.

In contrast, the other options serve different purposes. Beck's Depression Inventory primarily measures the severity of depression, while the Hamilton Anxiety Scale is used to assess the level of anxiety in individuals. The Geriatric Depression Scale targets depression specifically in older adults but does not evaluate suicidal intent. Therefore, the use of the Beck's Suicide Intent Scale provides a focused approach to understanding and evaluating a client’s risk of suicide, which is crucial in planning appropriate care and intervention strategies.