A nurse is caring for a client with a history of trauma who has a diagnosis of dissociative identity disorder. During a group therapy session, the client becomes unresponsive, stares blankly, and appears unaware of their surroundings. Which of the following is the nurse's best response?”

A. "Let's pause the group and have you rest as your room for a while": While this offers safety and a break, it does not engage the client in grounding or reorientation. Simply removing the client may reinforce withdrawal rather than help them regain awareness of the present. B. "Do you remember what we were just talking about in the group?": Asking the client to recall group content assumes they are ready to reorient cognitively. During dissociation, memory and awareness may be impaired, making this approach ineffective and potentially frustrating for the client. C. "Try not to disassociate. You need to stay focused during group therapy.": This statement is judgmental and directive, which can increase anxiety or shame. It does not validate the client’s experience or provide therapeutic support for managing dissociation. D. "You're safe here. Can you tell me what you're feeling right now?": This response provides reassurance, validates the client’s safety, and uses grounding techniques to help the client reconnect with their emotions and the present moment. It is therapeutic, nonjudgmental, and appropriate for managing dissociation in real time.