# A client with depression says, "My family would be better off without me." Which response should the nurse give first?

> source: MyMerci (mymerci.kr)  
> url: https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=397293&lang=en  
> language: en  
> subject: Mental Health Concepts  
> category: PSI

## Question

A client with depression says, "My family would be better off without me." Which response should the nurse give first?

## Option

1. Everyone feels sad sometimes.
2. Are you thinking about killing yourself? **✔ Correct answer**
3. You should focus on positive thoughts.
4. Your family would not want to hear that.

**Correct answer: 2**

## 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.

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