A client, assessed in the emergency department (ED), has a strong odor of alcohol on the breath. The client denies thoughts of harm to self or others, and the healthcare provider (HCP) discharges the client. As the client begins to leave, the nurse overhears the client mumble, "Now I'm going to shoot myself." Which intervention should the nurse implement?

A. Inquire about the client's support system: While understanding the client’s support system is important for discharge planning and ongoing safety, it is not the immediate priority in this situation. The client has expressed a direct threat of self-harm, which requires immediate intervention to prevent potential injury or death. B. Record the statement in the client's chart: Documentation of suicidal statements is important for legal and clinical purposes. However, recording alone does not protect the client from imminent harm. Immediate action to ensure safety must take precedence over documentation. C. Ask the client to repeat the comment: Clarifying the statement may provide additional information, but delaying action to ask the client to repeat the threat risks the client leaving and potentially acting on suicidal intent. Immediate containment and safety measures are necessary first. D. Stop the client from leaving the ED: The client has made a direct suicidal threat. The nurse’s priority is to ensure safety by preventing the client from leaving and initiating a suicide risk assessment, securing appropriate supervision, and notifying the HCP or psychiatric services. Immediate intervention is essential to prevent potential self-harm.