A nurse is admitting a client who has experienced a weight loss of 11 kg (25 lb) in the past 3 months. The client weighs 40 kg (88 lbs) and believes she is fat. Which of the following aspects of care should the nurse consider the first priority for this client?

Encouraging client feedback about their satisfaction with the facility experience is related to communication and patient-centered care, but it's not directly addressing the client's autonomy in making decisions about their own care or treatment.

B) Explaining unit rules and policies regarding unacceptable behaviors:

Explaining unit rules and policies is important for maintaining a safe and therapeutic environment, but it's more about providing information and setting expectations rather than addressing the client's autonomy.

C) Supporting the client's wish to refuse prescribed medications.

Explanation:

Autonomy is the ethical principle that emphasizes an individual's right to make decisions about their own care and treatment. In the context of healthcare, respecting autonomy means that healthcare professionals should honor a patient's decisions as long as they are informed and capable of making those decisions. By supporting the client's wish to refuse prescribed medications, the nurse is respecting the client's autonomy and allowing them to have control over their own treatment decisions.

D) Making sure the client understands expectations for client participation:

Ensuring that the client understands expectations for participation is important for collaboration in their care, but it's not directly related to the client's autonomous decision-making about their treatment.

This action might be premature. MAOIs (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors) are a class of antidepressants with specific dietary and medication interactions. They are typically considered when other classes of antidepressants have not been effective. It's important to exhaust other options before considering a switch to MAOIs.

B. Explain that antidepressants often take several weeks to be fully effective:

Explanation: Correct Answer. This is an appropriate response. Antidepressants, including citalopram, can take several weeks to show their full therapeutic effects. It's common for some symptoms to improve before others. Educating the client about the delayed onset of action is important to manage their expectations.

C. Tell the client that the provider will need to change citalopram to a different medication:

Explanation: It might be too early to consider changing the medication after just two weeks, especially since the client reports an improved appetite. Changes in dosage or medication should ideally be discussed with the provider after an adequate trial period.

D. Recommend a sleep study be done on the client:

Explanation: While sleep problems can be associated with depression, it might not be the most appropriate next step based solely on the information provided. It's more important to address the ongoing depressive symptoms before focusing solely on sleep.