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 choice A and E.

Choice A rationale:

The nurse should plan to ask the client what they are hearing. This is a therapeutic communication technique known as seeking clarification. It allows the nurse to gain more information and understand the client’s perspective. It can also help the client feel heard and validated, which can build trust and rapport.

Choice B rationale:

Telling the client their hallucinations are not real is not recommended. While it’s true that the hallucinations are not real, from the client’s perspective, they are very real and can be very frightening. Telling them otherwise can come across as dismissive and invalidating, which can damage the therapeutic relationship.

Choice C rationale:

Escorting the client to a group meeting may not be appropriate at this time. Given the client’s current state of agitation and confusion, they may not be able to participate effectively in a group setting. It could also potentially disrupt the group dynamic.

Choice D rationale:

Restraining the client should be a last resort and only used when the client is a danger to themselves or others. In this case, while the client is agitated and confused, they do not appear to be an immediate danger.

Choice E rationale:

Reducing excess stimulation around the client can be beneficial in this situation. Excess stimulation can exacerbate symptoms of psychosis such as hallucinations and agitation. By creating a calm and quiet environment, it can help reduce these symptoms and help the client feel more at ease.

Choice A rationale:

Decreased skin turgor. Decreased skin turgor is a sign of dehydration rather than fluid overload. In fluid overload, the body retains excess fluid, leading to symptoms like crackles in the lungs, edema, and increased blood pressure. Decreased skin turgor is more characteristic of dehydration, where the body loses fluid.

Choice B rationale:

Decreased blood pressure. Decreased blood pressure is not typically a manifestation of fluid overload. Fluid overload often leads to increased blood pressure as the heart has to work harder to pump excess fluid throughout the body.

Choice C rationale:

Weight loss. Weight loss is not a manifestation of fluid overload. In fact, fluid overload may lead to weight gain due to the retention of excess fluid in the body.

Choice D rationale:

Crackles heard in the lungs. Crackles heard in the lungs are a common manifestation of fluid overload. When there is an excessive accumulation of fluid in the lungs, it can interfere with the exchange of gases and cause crackling sounds during breathing. This is a significant clinical finding that indicates the need for intervention and assessment of fluid balance.