An adult client with severe depression was admitted to the psychiatric unit yesterday evening. Although the client ran a marathon one year ago, his spouse notes that the client no longer runs, but sits and watches television most of the day. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to include in this client's plan of care for today?

A. Encouraging the client to participate in a team sport may be overwhelming and unrealistic given the client's current level of depression and lack of activity. Starting with smaller, more achievable goals is essential in the initial stages of treatment. B. Helping the client develop a list of daily affirmations is a positive intervention for promoting self-esteem, but it may not address the immediate need for increasing activity levels or engagement in meaningful activities. C. Assisting the client in identifying goals for the day is the most important intervention at this stage. Setting achievable daily goals can help the client regain a sense of purpose and motivation. These goals should be realistic and tailored to the client's current abilities and interests. D. Scheduling the client for a group focusing on self-esteem is beneficial, but it may not directly address the client's need for increased activity and engagement in meaningful daily activities. Goals related to self-esteem can be incorporated into the client's plan of care but should be part of a comprehensive approach to treatment.