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

A. Compensation involves offsetting perceived deficiencies by excelling in other areas. The patient claiming weight gain is due to fluid retention is not trying to make up for a perceived weakness or deficiency; instead, they are explaining their behavior in a way that deflects responsibility.
B. Rationalization is a defense mechanism where a person provides logical or reasonable-sounding explanations for behaviors or situations that are actually motivated by irrational or emotional factors. In this case, the patient who overeats is rationalizing their weight gain by attributing it to fluid retention rather than addressing the underlying issue of overeating. This allows them to avoid facing the real cause of their weight gain.
C. Regression involves reverting to earlier stages of development or behavior when faced with stress. For instance, an adult might act childishly when under pressure. The patient in this scenario is not behaving in a more immature or childlike manner but is rather giving an excuse for their behavior.
D. Projection involves attributing one's own undesirable thoughts or feelings to others. For example, someone who is untrustworthy might accuse others of being untrustworthy. The patient in this scenario is not attributing their own issues to others but is offering an excuse for their own behavior.

A. Group homes provide supportive living environments for individuals with chronic mental health issues or those who need assistance with daily living but are not in acute crisis. While beneficial for long-term support and rehabilitation, a group home may not offer the intensive and immediate care required for someone who is actively suicidal.
B. Long-term mental health facilities are designed for ongoing treatment and support for individuals with severe and chronic mental health conditions. While they offer extensive services and support, they are typically not intended for clients who need immediate stabilization and short-term care for acute suicidal ideation.
C. Outpatient clinics provide regular therapy and support for individuals with less acute needs. While they are valuable for ongoing mental health care and management, they may not be equipped to handle a client in immediate danger of suicide who requires 24/7 monitoring and intensive intervention.
D. An inpatient mental health unit is designed for individuals experiencing severe mental health crises, including suicidal ideation. It provides intensive, round-the-clock care, including monitoring, psychiatric evaluation, and immediate crisis intervention.