ATI Mental Health Practice B Related

Review ATI Mental Health Practice B related questions and content

When assessing a client diagnosed with major depressive disorder who states, 'I feel like I can't go on,' which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

  • A. Administer a prescribed antidepressant medication.
  • B. Ask the client if they have a plan to commit suicide.
  • C. Encourage the client to attend a support group.
  • D. Contact the client's family to provide support.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The priority action for the nurse is to assess the client's risk for suicide. By asking if the client has a plan to commit suicide, the nurse can determine the immediate safety of the client and take appropriate interventions to prevent harm. Administering antidepressant medication is not the first action to take in this situation as assessing the client's safety is the priority. Encouraging the client to attend a support group or contacting the client's family, although beneficial, are not immediate actions to ensure the client's safety in a crisis situation.