A nurse is caring for a client who has somatic symptom disorder. The client says to the nurse, "If I can't get the medical help I need, I might as well just end it all." Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A reason: Grounding techniques can be helpful for managing anxiety and distress, particularly in clients with somatic symptom disorder. However, when a client makes a statement suggesting potential self-harm, immediate safety takes priority. Addressing emotional regulation without first assessing suicide risk may delay critical intervention and place the client at risk. Choice B reason: Encouraging the client to verbalize perceived medical needs can support therapeutic communication and help clarify concerns. However, this approach is not appropriate as an initial response to a statement that implies suicidal ideation. The nurse must first assess the immediacy and severity of suicide risk before engaging in further discussion about medical needs. Choice C reason: Any statement suggesting self-harm must be taken seriously, regardless of the client’s diagnosis. Determining whether the client has a suicide plan is a priority nursing action because it helps assess the level of risk and guides the need for immediate safety interventions. This action aligns with the nurse’s responsibility to protect the client from harm and ensure timely mental health support. Choice D reason: Encouraging the client to seek care from other providers may reinforce maladaptive health-seeking behaviors commonly seen in somatic symptom disorder. Additionally, this response fails to address the immediate safety concern raised by the client’s statement about ending their life, making it an inappropriate initial intervention.