A nurse is contributing to the plan of care for a client who has major depressive disorder. Which of the following recommendations should the nurse include in the plan of care?

Rationale: A. Recommend the client spend time alone in his room: Isolation can worsen depressive symptoms by reducing social interaction and support. Clients with major depressive disorder benefit more from structured, supportive environments that encourage engagement. B. Encourage the client to use positive self-talk: Promoting positive self-talk helps challenge negative thought patterns common in depression. This cognitive-behavioral strategy can improve mood, self-esteem, and overall coping ability. C. Offer the client low-protein snacks throughout the day: Nutritional support is important, but there is no specific reason to offer low-protein snacks for depression. A balanced diet with adequate protein may better support brain function and mood regulation. D. Suggest the client exercise before going to bed: Regular exercise is beneficial for managing depression, but exercising before bedtime can disrupt sleep patterns. Physical activity is better scheduled earlier in the day to promote restfulness at night.