Question

an older female client is admitted to the psychiatric unit with a diagnosis of major depression. which client statement indicates to the nurse that further assessment is indicated?

• i will die if my cat dies.
• i dont feel like eating this morning.
• i just went to my friends funeral.
• dont you have more important things to do?

Explanation:

Identify the clinical priority

The client is diagnosed with major depression, placing them at high risk for self-harm or suicide. The nurse must prioritize statements indicating potential suicidal ideation or a covert suicidal threat.

Evaluate the client statements

• "I will die if my cat dies" is a statement of extreme dependence and hopelessness that suggests a potential suicidal plan or intent linked to the loss of a pet, requiring immediate, direct assessment of suicidal ideation.
• "I don't feel like eating this morning" is a common neurovegetative symptom of depression.
• "I just went to my friend's funeral" is a situational stressor/grief factor.
• "Don't you have more important things to do?" reflects low self-esteem or worthlessness, which is typical of depression but less urgent than a potential threat to life.

Determine the correct intervention

The statement "I will die if my cat dies" represents an indirect threat of self-harm or suicide, making it the highest priority for immediate further assessment.

Answer:

• (A) I will die if my cat dies. (Correct answer)
• (B) I don't feel like eating this morning.
• (C) I just went to my friend's funeral.
• (D) Don't you have more important things to do?