Question

a nurse is caring for a client who is in crisis following the breakup of a long - term relationship. the client tells the nurse, \i might as well just die. my life is over.\ which of the following actions should the nurse take first? explore past positive coping strategies. establish a follow - up plan of care. conduct a suicidal risk evaluation. display a neutral attitude.

Explanation:

The client has made a statement suggesting possible suicidal ideation ("I might as well just die. My life is over."). In nursing, when a client makes such statements, the first priority is to assess their suicidal risk. Exploring past coping strategies or establishing a follow - up plan would come after assessing the immediate risk. Displaying a neutral attitude is not appropriate as the nurse needs to respond to the risk of harm. So the nurse should first conduct a suicidal risk evaluation.

Answer:

C. Conduct a suicidal risk evaluation.