The nurse is caring for a severely depressed older patient.To best effect change in the patient's emotional state,the nurse's initial goal is to:
A)plan interventions that will enhance the patient's self-esteem.
B)introduce the patient to new coping skills.
C)assess the patient's potential to self-harm.
D)develop a therapeutic nurse-patient relationship.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The nurse's ability to positively effect change in older adults' responses to depression lies in the development of therapeutic relationships.Assessing risk for harm is an important safety issue but does not help the patient's emotional state.The other two options come later after the relationship has entered its working phase.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Severely Depressed Older Patient