A nurse in an acute mental health facility is caring for a client who has major depressive disorder. Since her admission 3 days ago, she has not put on clean clothes, washed her hair, or participated in any of the unit activities. On this day, the nurse observes that she is wearing clean clothes and has combed her hair. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

A. This response is neutral, nonjudgmental, and acknowledges the client’s positive behavior without making assumptions about the reason behind it. It helps reinforce the behavior without pressuring the client to explain, which can be beneficial for clients with major depressive disorder who may struggle with feelings of worthlessness or shame. B. This response makes an assumption about the client’s mood, which may not be accurate. It could inadvertently pressure the client to justify their actions or might be perceived as insincere. C. While this response expresses pleasure, it could come across as overly enthusiastic or condescending. Clients with depression often feel ashamed or guilty about their difficulties and may interpret such comments negatively. D. Asking "why" can sound confrontational or accusatory, which may cause the client to feel defensive or reluctant to share. It’s better to focus on acknowledging the positive behavior rather than probing for an explanation.