A nurse is providing care for a client who experienced sexual assault. Which of the following communication strategies should the nurse use?

D. This response reflects empathy and validates the client's feelings of hopelessness. It acknowledges the client's emotional state and demonstrates active listening. By reflecting back the client's words, the nurse conveys understanding and creates an opportunity for further exploration of the client's feelings and concerns.

A. While addressing medication concerns is important, this response may not fully acknowledge the client's feelings of hopelessness and may come across as dismissive of their emotional distress.

B. This response offers the client an opportunity to speak with a therapist, which can be beneficial for addressing emotional distress and exploring coping strategies. However, it does not directly acknowledge the client's current feelings of hopelessness

C. This response does not address the client's feelings of hopelessness and may not effectively validate their emotional experience.

C. The nurse should address the client's inappropriate and boundary-crossing behavior first. The client's statement, "Kiss me baby! You know you want to!" is suggestive and inappropriate in a professional healthcare setting. It indicates a lack of understanding or disregard for appropriate social boundaries and may be a manifestation of the client's serious mental illness.

A, B, D- While the client's vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature) and clothing choice (wearing a heavy coat and scarf in warm weather) may be important to assess and address, the immediate priority is to address the client's inappropriate behavior and ensure a safe and therapeutic environment for both the client and the nurse.