A client who is having suicidal thoughts tells the nurse, "It just does not seem worth it anymore. Why not end my misery?" Which of the following responses by the nurse is appropriate?

Choice A reason: Asking why the client thinks their life is not worth it is too broad and may come across as challenging or judgmental. It does not directly assess the client’s risk of harm and may not provide the nurse with the critical information needed to ensure safety. Choice B reason: Telling the client they can trust the nurse is supportive, but it is vague and does not directly address the immediate risk of suicide. While building trust is important, the priority is to assess the client’s intent and plan. Choice C reason: Asking what the client means by misery explores feelings but does not assess the immediate risk of suicide. While understanding the client’s emotional state is valuable, the nurse must first determine if the client has a plan, which indicates the level of risk. Choice D reason: Asking if the client has a plan to end their life is the most appropriate response because it directly assesses suicide risk. The presence of a plan indicates a higher level of danger and guides the nurse in determining the urgency of interventions. This is the correct answer because it prioritizes safety and risk assessment.