A nurse is caring for a client who reports feelings of hopelessness after being diagnosed with a serious illness. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Introduction: Hopelessness is a primary risk factor for suicidal ideation, especially following a devastating medical diagnosis. The nurse must prioritize safety assessments to identify immediate threats to life, as a sense of despair can rapidly impair a client's coping mechanisms and lead to self-destructive behaviors or intent. A. Documentation is an essential nursing responsibility for legal and continuity of care purposes, but it is not a priority action. When a client expresses hopelessness, the nurse must first intervene to ensure the client's immediate safety before spending time recording the encounter in the electronic medical record. B. According to the nursing process and the safety-first priority framework, assessing for self-harm is the priority action. Hopelessness is a major red flag for suicide. The nurse must directly ask about suicidal ideation to determine the level of risk and implement necessary safety precautions or a 1:1 observation. C. Identifying a support system is a valuable intervention for long-term coping and psychosocial stability. However, it is not the first action. The nurse must ensure the client is safe and not currently suicidal before moving on to broader psychosocial interventions like involving family or community resources for support. D. Providing information on how to manage feelings is an educational intervention that occurs after the client's safety has been established. If the client is acutely suicidal, they may not be able to process or utilize management strategies. Assessment of safety must always precede the implementation of teaching and health promotion.