A newly admitted patient diagnosed with major depression has gained 20 pounds over a few months and has suicidal ideation. The patient has taken an antidepressant medication for 1 week without remission of symptoms. Select the priority nursing diagnosis.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The priority nursing diagnosis in this case is C: Risk for suicide. This is because the patient is exhibiting suicidal ideation, which poses an immediate threat to their safety and well-being. Suicidal ideation requires urgent intervention to ensure the patient's safety. The patient's major depression, weight gain, and lack of symptom remission from the antidepressant medication further emphasize the seriousness of the situation. Choices A, B, and D are not the priority in this scenario as they do not address the immediate risk of harm to the patient. Imbalanced nutrition and chronic low self-esteem are important concerns but do not take precedence over the risk of suicide. Hopelessness, while relevant, is not as urgent as addressing the immediate risk of suicide.