A newly-admitted male client with depression refuses to interact with anyone and prefers to sit alone during meals. A nurse observes that the client barely touched his meals. Which of the following nursing actions is the most correct for this case?
A)Insist that the client eat meals with the rest of the group.
B)Allow the client to eat in the bedroom until he gets used to the environment, staff, and other clients.
C)Sit with the client during meals and offer smaller meals.
D)Allow the client to choose the best time and place where he can have hismeals.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A client with depression is commonly withdrawn, with a diminished appetite. The best action of the nurse is to sit with the client and offer smaller meals, as a way to establish a trusting relationship and encourage nutrition. Insisting the client do something he is not ready to do, allowing him to eatalone in the bedroom, and allowing the client to choose meal times may all reinforcedepression.

A Newly-Admitted Male Client with Depression Refuses to Interact with Anyone