Choice A rationale
The nurse’s response, “Tell me how you felt when your fiancé broke up with you,” is the most therapeutic because it encourages the client to express feelings. This is a crucial step in the healing process. The nurse is using active listening skills and showing empathy, which can help build a therapeutic relationship with the client. It’s important for the nurse to provide a safe and nonjudgmental environment for the client to express feelings of sadness, anger, or guilt related to the breakup.
Choice B rationale
The response, “Maybe the breakup was for the best,” is not therapeutic because it minimizes the client’s feelings and experiences. It’s not the nurse’s place to make judgments or assumptions about the situation. The nurse should focus on the client’s feelings and provide support.
Choice C rationale
The response, “Do you think you are better off without your fiancé?” could be seen as leading or suggestive. It’s important for the nurse to remain neutral and not impose personal beliefs or opinions on the client.
Choice D rationale
The response, “How could your fiancé be wonderful after saying those things to you?” could be seen as confrontational and judgmental. It’s not the nurse’s role to judge the client’s relationships or experiences. The nurse should provide a supportive and understanding environment for the client to express feelings.

Choice A rationale
The absence of suicidal ideation is a positive outcome for a client diagnosed with a depressive disorder. This indicates that the client is not experiencing thoughts of self-harm or death, which is a common symptom of severe depression.
Choice B rationale
Returning to work or school signifies that the client is able to resume normal activities and responsibilities, indicating an improvement in their mental health.
Choice C rationale
While it’s important for the client to report no side effects from medication, it’s not necessarily an expected outcome for a client diagnosed with a depressive disorder. Antidepressant medications can often have side effects, and managing these is part of the treatment process.
Choice D rationale
Expressing hopefulness for the future is a positive sign as it indicates that the client is not experiencing feelings of hopelessness, a common symptom of depression.
Choice E rationale
Regular sleep patterns, such as sleeping for 8 hours each night, are beneficial for mental health and can help in the management of depressive symptoms.