A nurse is having a conversation with a depressed client on an inpatient psychiatric unit. The client says to the nurse, "Things would be so much better for everyone if I just weren't around
" Which of the following responses by the nurse would be appropriate at this time? 1. "You sound very unhappy. Are you thinking of harming yourself?"
2. "Those feelings will go away when your medication really takes effect."
3. "Have you talked to anyone specifically about what is bothering you?"
4. "I know what you mean; everyone gets that way when they are depressed."
1
Rationale: Clients who are depressed may be at higher risk for suicide. When clients make statements such as the one in the question, it is critical for the nurse specifically to assess suicidal ideation and plan. The best method is to ask the client directly about whether a specific plan has been formed.
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