The mother of an 8-month-old infant with profound mental and physical disabilities tells the nurse how depressed she is because she realizes that her child will never achieve normal growth and development milestones. How should the nurse respond to this mother?

A. Encouraging journaling may help with coping over time but does not address potential immediate safety concerns. B. Asking about other children is not relevant to the mother’s current emotional state and does not assess risk. C. Reassuring the mother about milestones may minimize her feelings and does not address her depression or potential risk of harm. D. Asking the mother if she has ever thought about harming herself or her child is the priority response because it assesses for immediate risk of harm. Screening for suicidal or homicidal thoughts is essential when a parent expresses intense depression or hopelessness regarding a child’s condition.