A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing a situational crisis following the sudden loss of their adolescent child. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Choice A reason: Identifying a support person is important for long-term coping, but it is not the first priority in a crisis. Immediate safety must be assessed before exploring support systems. Choice B reason: Planning follow-up visits is part of ongoing care and recovery but does not address the acute phase of crisis intervention. It is premature if the client is at risk of self-harm. Choice C reason: Teaching coping skills is therapeutic but requires emotional stability and readiness to learn. In a crisis, the client may be overwhelmed and unable to absorb new strategies. Choice D reason: Determining if the client has thoughts of harming themselves is the first priority. Sudden loss, especially of a child, can precipitate suicidal ideation. Safety assessment is critical before any other interventions can be effective.