Nokea
A client diagnosed with chronic depression appears sad and joyless when arriving at the mental health clinic for a scheduled appointment. The nurse best assesses the client's mood by:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it directly assesses the client's self-reported mood level, providing valuable insight into their emotional state. By using a standardized scale, the nurse can quantitatively evaluate the client's mood, allowing for a more accurate assessment.
Choice A is incorrect because assessing posture, dress, and hygiene does not directly assess the client's mood; it provides information on physical appearance.
Choice B is incorrect because asking if the client is depressed is leading and may not elicit an accurate response; it assumes the client's emotional state.
Choice D is incorrect because observing interactions with staff may not accurately reflect the client's mood; it could be influenced by various factors such as social skills or current circumstances.