A depressed patient says, "Nothing matters anymore." What is the most appropriate response by the nurse?
a. "Are you having thoughts of suicide?"
b. "I am not sure I understand what you are trying to say."
c. "Try to stay hopeful. Things have a way of working out."
d. "Tell me more about what interested you before you became depressed."
ANS: A
The nurse must make overt what is covert; that is, the possibility of suicide must be openly addressed. The patient often feels relieved to be able to talk about suicidal ideation.
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