Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 72%
Simulated
A nurse in a provider's office is talking with an older adult client who tells the nurse that he fears he is 'aging badly' and feels 'so useless.' Which of the following assessment questions is the nurse's priority?
Correct answer
D
Rationale
The correct answer is D: Do you ever think about harming yourself? This question is the priority because it assesses the client's risk of self-harm or suicide, which is crucial for safety. It addresses the immediate concern of the client's emotional distress. Choices A, B, and C focus on exploring the client's feelings and concerns, which are important but not as urgent as assessing for suicidal ideation. It's essential to ensure the client's safety before delving into other aspects of their emotional well-being.