A client with depression says, "My family would be better of… | MyMerci
Mental Health ConceptsPSI
Question
A client with depression says, "My family would be better off without me." Which response should the nurse give first?
1Everyone feels sad sometimes.
2Are you thinking about killing yourself?✓ Correct answer
3You should focus on positive thoughts.
4Your family would not want to hear that.
Explanation
Directly asking about suicidal thoughts is therapeutic and supports safety assessment. It does not implant the idea of suicide. Minimizing, giving advice, or creating guilt can reduce disclosure and delay risk assessment.
In-depth explanation
Clinical Judgment Use the client cues, timing, labs, and safety risks to select the response that best fits Direct suicide risk assessment.
Memory Tip Match the strongest cue cluster to the safest nursing judgment.
KR vs US NCLEX items reward cue-based priority thinking rather than isolated recall.
Clinical scenario
Clinical Practice Guide For Direct suicide risk assessment, compare the complete cue pattern with the client's current stability, ordered data, and expected nursing scope.
Caution Do not choose an action from one isolated cue when the full scenario changes priority or safety.
Key concepts
Suicide Risk — The possibility that a client may intentionally harm or kill themselves.
Depression — A mood disorder that can include sadness, hopelessness, and suicidal thoughts.
Safety Assessment — Evaluation of immediate risk and protective actions needed.