In assessing safety risk in a client with conduct disorder, which finding indicates imminent danger?

• A. Lack of empathy
• B. Repeated absences
• C. Threats of injury to others
• D. History of shoplifting

Answer: (C)

Assessing safety risk in conduct disorder focuses on signs that harm to others could occur in the near term. A threat of injury to others is the clearest indicator of imminent danger because it shows the person is expressing intent to act and may have a plan or means to carry it out, requiring immediate safety actions and crisis intervention.

Lack of empathy describes a persistent pattern of disregard but does not by itself show an imminent risk of acting on harmful intent. Repeated absences point to disengagement or noncompliance rather than a direct, near-term threat. A history of shoplifting signals antisocial behavior but does not inherently indicate that harm to others is about to happen.