A nurse is caring for a client who has depressive disorder. The client states, "Everyone would be better off if I were not around." Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

The correct answer is B. Encourage the client to be assertive. Dependent personality disorder is characterized by excessive reliance on others for emotional and practical support, fear of abandonment, difficulty expressing disagreement, and low self-esteem. The nurse should instruct the caregiver to help the client develop autonomy and self-confidence by encouraging them to express their opinions, make their own choices, and take responsibility for their actions.

A. The client has a decreased energy level.A decreased energy level can be a common symptom of many conditions, including terminal illnesses. While it can be associated with feelings of hopelessness, it is not necessarily an indication of it. Other factors like the illness itself, treatments, or emotional stress can contribute to low energy.

B. The client requests a second opinion.Requesting a second opinion is generally a sign that the client is still actively engaged in their care and is seeking more information or alternative options. It indicates hope or a desire for different possibilities rather than hopelessness.

C. The client wants to talk about the diagnosis with the nursing staff.Wanting to talk about the diagnosis with the nursing staff suggests that the client is processing the information and seeking support. Open communication is a positive coping mechanism and not typically an indication of hopelessness.

D. The client makes funeral arrangements.When a client makes funeral arrangements, it can be a sign that they are feeling hopeless about their situation and are preparing for the end of their life. While it is practical and sometimes necessary to make such arrangements, in this context, it can be seen as a manifestation of hopelessness.