HESI Mental Health 2023 Related

Review HESI Mental Health 2023 related questions and content

When a client with major depressive disorder expresses feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness, what is the nurse's priority intervention?

  • A. Encourage the client to engage in recreational activities.
  • B. Suggest the client keep a journal of their thoughts and feelings.
  • C. Assess the client for suicidal ideation.
  • D. Provide the client with positive affirmations.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to assess the client for suicidal ideation. When a client expresses feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness, it is crucial to evaluate the risk of self-harm. Encouraging recreational activities (choice A) or suggesting journaling (choice B) may be helpful interventions but assessing for suicidal ideation takes precedence due to the immediate risk of harm. Providing positive affirmations (choice D) is not the priority when safety is a concern.