A nurse is caring for a client who has a major depressive disorder. Which of the following actions should the nurse take when developing a relationship with the client?

Dissociation is a defense mechanism in which a person disconnects from their thoughts, feelings, memories, or sense of identity as a way to cope with overwhelming or traumatic experiences. In this case, the client's inability to remember anything that happened after seeing the suspects in the stabbing is a form of dissociation. It is a way for the client to psychologically distance themselves from the traumatic event and protect themselves from the emotional distress associated with it.

A- Projection is a defense mechanism where an individual attributes their own undesirable thoughts, feelings, or impulses onto someone else.

C- Repression is a defense mechanism where disturbing or unacceptable thoughts, memories, or feelings are pushed into the unconscious mind.

D- Sublimation is a defense mechanism where unacceptable impulses or emotions are redirected into socially acceptable activities.

Determining if the client has thoughts of self-harm: This is the priority action for the nurse in this situation. Assessing the client's risk of self-harm or suicide is crucial to determine the level of immediate intervention required. It helps identify the severity of the crisis and enables the nurse to implement appropriate measures to ensure the client's safety.

In the context of a client with generalized anxiety disorder who is exhibiting signs of distress and seeking to be taken care of, it is essential to assess for suicidal ideation or intent. Clients with mental health disorders, especially when experiencing high levels of stress, may be at an increased risk of self-harm or suicide. Therefore, it is vital for the nurse to prioritize the assessment of the client's safety and risk of self-harm in order to provide appropriate care and interventions.

Incorrect:

A- Asking the client to identify the cause of the crisis: While it is important to gather information about the cause of the crisis to understand the client's situation, it is not the nurse's priority at this moment. Assessing the client's safety and immediate risk of self-harm takes precedence.

C- Identifying if friends or family are available to help: While social support from friends and family can be valuable in managing a crisis, it is not the nurse's priority in this situation. The immediate concern is to assess the client's safety and risk of self-harm.

D-Identifying the client's coping skills: Assessing the client's coping skills is an important aspect of the overall assessment process, but it is not the priority at this moment. The nurse needs to first ensure the client's safety and address any immediate risks.