A nurse on an acute mental health unit is caring for a client who has major depressive disorder. Which of the following interventions is the nurse’s priority?

Choice A reason: Major depressive disorder carries a high risk of suicide, especially in acute settings. Monitoring for self-harm is the priority to ensure the client’s safety, as it addresses an immediate, life-threatening risk before other interventions. Choice B reason: Administering antidepressants is important for managing depression, but it is not the priority over safety. Antidepressants take weeks to become effective, and the risk of self-harm must be addressed first. Choice C reason: Assisting with activities of daily living supports the client’s functional needs, but it is not the priority. Safety concerns, such as self-harm risk, take precedence in acute depression. Choice D reason: Encouraging fluid intake is important for physical health, but it is not the priority in major depressive disorder. Preventing self-harm is critical due to the high risk of suicide in this condition.