A home health nurse is caring for a client who is in the continuation phase of major depressive disorder. The client states, "I feel unmotivated and don't feel like leaving my home." Which of the following recommendations should the nurse make to address the client's social isolation?

The correct answer is:

A. Implement continuous one-to-one observation.

Choice A reason:

Implementing continuous one-to-one observation is the most immediate and direct method to ensure the safety of a client who has been admitted after a suicide attempt. This involves assigning a staff member to stay with the client at all times, providing constant supervision to prevent self-harm. It is a standard safety measure in mental health facilities for clients at high risk of suicide.

Choice B reason:

While encouraging the client to participate in group therapy is a valuable part of the treatment plan, it is not the first action a nurse should take. Group therapy is beneficial for social support and developing coping strategies, but it is not an immediate safety measure for a client at risk of suicide.

Choice C reason:

Asking the client to sign a no-suicide contract can be part of the therapeutic process, but it is not the first step in acute care. These contracts involve the client agreeing not to harm themselves and to seek help if suicidal thoughts occur. However, they are not considered a substitute for active supervision and intervention.

Choice D reason:

Establishing a rapport to foster trust is crucial for effective nursing care and is an ongoing process. It helps in creating a therapeutic relationship, which is essential for the client's long-term recovery. However, it is not the immediate priority in a crisis situation where the client's safety is at risk.

Positive symptoms of schizophrenia are those that add something to the normal experience, such as hallucinations, delusions, disorganized speech, and abnormal motor behavior. Flight of ideas is a type of disorganized speech that involves rapid switching from one topic to another. Delusions of grandeur are false beliefs of having superior power or status. Auditory hallucinations are hearing voices or sounds that are not real. Negative symptoms of schizophrenia are those that take something away from the normal experience, such as decreased motivation, impaired memory, flat affect, and social withdrawal.