A nurse in a community health clinic is assessing a client who has two preschoolers, was recently divorced, and is seeking help for managing depression. Which of the following questions should the nurse ask first?

A. "I don't want to lose control of my ability to make decisions."This statement expresses a fear of losing autonomy, which is a common concern for individuals with chronic illnesses. It does not directly indicate a risk for suicide.

B. "I know that everything will be better soon."This statement can be a red flag, as it might suggest that the client has lost hope and may be contemplating suicide as a way to make things "better" in their mind.

C. "I am relying more and more on my partner for support."This response indicates that the client is seeking and receiving support from their partner. While it shows a need for assistance, it does not imply suicidal ideation.

D. "I am afraid of experiencing pain near the end."This statement reflects a fear of future pain and suffering, which is a valid concern for individuals with terminal illnesses. While it does not directly indicate a risk for suicide, it is essential to address pain management and provide reassurance to the client about end-of-life care.

A. The child's family has an indoor cat that sleeps with the child.

Having an indoor cat is not a direct indicator of child abuse. This is a normal and unrelated aspect of family life.

B. The child spends the weekends with their grandparents.

Spending weekends with grandparents, on its own, does not necessarily indicate a risk for child abuse. Grandparents often play a positive and supportive role in a child's life.

C. One of the child's parents has a history of alcohol use disorder.

A history of alcohol use disorder in a parent can contribute to an increased risk of child abuse. Substance abuse issues can impair judgment and increase the likelihood of neglect or abuse.

D. Neither of the child's parents is financially stable.

Financial instability is a known risk factor for child abuse. Economic stress can contribute to a chaotic home environment, potentially increasing the risk of neglect or abuse.

E. One of the child's parents appears frightened of the other parent.

The fear between parents is concerning and may indicate the presence of domestic violence or an unsafe home environment. Children in households with domestic violence are at a higher risk of abuse or neglect.