When the nurse addresses questions to an adult female client who is depressed, the client's responses are delayed. Which intervention should the nurse include in this client's plan of care?

Delayed speech and psychomotor retardation are common in depression. Sitting in silence demonstrates acceptance and provides a non-demanding, supportive presence, which reduces pressure on the client to perform cognitively and can help build a therapeutic relationship. While exercise (B) is beneficial for mood, it may be too demanding initially. Asking the client to describe her depression (C) requires significant cognitive and emotional effort she may not possess. Observing for psychosis (D) is a general assessment activity, not a specific intervention for the observed symptom of delayed responses.