A nurse is caring for a client who has just been informed that their newborn, who has congenital defects, might not survive. The client states, "This is the worst moment of my life." Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

A. Reinforce stress reduction techniques with the client: Teaching coping strategies can be helpful, but immediately after receiving distressing news, the client is unlikely to benefit from interventions that require focus and concentration. B. Encourage the client to focus on one issue at a time: Helping the client prioritize concerns is useful for problem-solving, but it does not address the immediate emotional need following the shock of bad news. C. Request a referral for social services: Referral to support services is important, but arranging it does not provide immediate emotional support. Immediate interventions should focus on the client’s current emotional state. D. Ask the client who they usually turn to for support: Assessing the client’s support system addresses their immediate need for emotional connection and comfort. Identifying trusted individuals helps the nurse facilitate coping and ensures the client does not feel isolated during this crisis moment.