An 11-year-old client has been hospitalized on the adolescent psychiatry unit with severe depression. For the past several weeks, the client has been prescribed a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). What is the priority nursing action?

The correct answer is D: Implement suicide precautions. When working with a client who is severely depressed and on an SSRI, the priority nursing action is to ensure their safety. Implementing suicide precautions involves closely monitoring the client for suicidal ideation, providing a safe environment, removing any potentially harmful objects, and maintaining constant observation if necessary. Suicide risk is a critical concern in individuals with severe depression, especially when starting or adjusting medication. Monitoring food intake and eliminating sources of tyramine (choice A) is more relevant for clients on MAOIs. Assessing for weight loss and difficulty sleeping (choice B) are important, but not the priority in this scenario. Monitoring for migraines (choice C) is not directly related to the client's safety. The priority is to address the immediate risk of harm to the client, which is why implementing suicide precautions is the correct choice.