The authors offer the following 10 guidelines for managing suicidal patients in medical/surgical units: 1) ensure patient safety; 2) arrange for continuous observation of the patient; 3) take a history & assess psychological acuity; 4) contact the patient’s doctor; 5) arrange for immediate psychological evaluation; 6) provide a controlled environment; 7) maintain patient confidentiality; 8) document everything; 9) encourage the patient to talk; & 10) arrange follow-up care. (4 refs.)