An adult client with severe depression was admitted to the psychiatric unit yesterday evening. Despite having run a marathon a year ago, the client now spends most of the day sitting and watching television, according to the spouse. What is the most important intervention for the nurse to include in this client’s care plan for today?

Choice A rationale Encouraging the client to participate in a team sport for one hour might be beneficial for the client’s physical health, but it might not be the most important intervention for a client with severe depression who spends most of the day sitting and watching television. Choice B rationale Assisting the client in developing a list of daily affirmations can be a helpful strategy for improving self-esteem and promoting positive thinking, but it might not be the most important intervention for a client with severe depression who spends most of the day sitting and watching television. Choice C rationale Scheduling the client for a group session that focuses on self-esteem can be beneficial for the client’s mental health, but it might not be the most important intervention for a client with severe depression who spends most of the day sitting and watching television. Choice D rationale Helping the client in identifying goals for the day can be a very effective intervention for a client with severe depression. Setting daily goals can provide the client with a sense of purpose and can help to motivate the client to engage in activities other than sitting and watching television.