A nurse is caring for a client who has a history of depression and is experiencing a situational crisis. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

A. Teach the client relaxation techniques: Teaching coping strategies is helpful but does not address the immediate need to understand the client’s perception of the crisis. It should follow assessment. B. Confirm the client's perception of the event: The first step in crisis intervention is to assess and understand the client’s view of the situation. Clarifying perception allows the nurse to accurately prioritize interventions and provide appropriate support. C. Notify the client's support person: Contacting support is beneficial for ongoing assistance but should occur after assessing the client’s understanding and emotional state. D. Help the client identify personal strengths: Identifying strengths promotes coping and resilience, but it is a secondary intervention that should follow assessment and clarification of the client’s perception.