A patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder repeatedly tells staff members, "I have cancer. It's my punishment for being a bad person." Diagnostic tests reveal no cancer. Select the priority nursing diagnosis.
A) Powerlessness
B) Risk for suicide
C) Stress overload
D) Spiritual distress

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A patient with depression who feels so worthless as to believe cancer is deserved is at risk for suicide. Safety concerns take priority over the other diagnoses listed.

A Patient Diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder Repeatedly Tells Staff