A client recently discharged from a psychiatric unit states she has turned on the gas to kill herself. Which action should the nurse take next?

The appropriate response in this clinical situation prioritizes the immediate safety of the individual who has expressed suicidal intent. When a client communicates that they have turned on the gas with the intention to harm themselves, this indicates a severe and urgent risk. The nurse's responsibility is to ensure the person's safety as quickly as possible.

Informing another nurse to contact the police is critical because the police or emergency services need to intervene promptly to prevent potential harm. This action ensures that trained professionals can respond immediately, assess the situation, and provide the necessary assistance to address the life-threatening risk. Engaging emergency services is a fundamental step in managing a suicide crisis effectively.

Other responses, such as referring to a hotline or suggesting the individual contact family or a primary healthcare provider, may not provide the immediate help required in this scenario. While these options can be part of a supportive plan or follow-up care, they do not address the immediate and acute danger posed by the client’s current actions. Therefore, contacting authorities directly is the most appropriate and effective course of action in this situation.