A client who is having suicidal thoughts tells the nurse, "It just does not seem worth it anymore. Why not end my misery?" Which of the following responses by the nurse is appropriate?

A. Varenicline is a medication used for smoking cessation, not for treating gambling disorder.

B. Disulfiram is a medication used to discourage alcohol consumption by inducing unpleasant side effects if alcohol is consumed; it is not used for treating gambling disorder.

C. Sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant that has been shown to be effective in treating gambling disorder by reducing gambling urges and behaviors.

D. Clonidine is an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist used to treat conditions such as hypertension and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); it is not typically used for treating gambling disorder.

A. Inform the client of available community resources is an important action because the client will likely need additional support, such as hospice care, counseling, or child care services. However, before providing resources, the nurse must assess the client’s understanding of their diagnosis to ensure any interventions are tailored to their current needs and readiness.

B. Assist the client in finding child care options - While important, addressing community resources takes precedence as it may encompass finding child care options as well.

C. Agree upon short-term goals for the client - Establishing goals is important but may come after addressing immediate needs.

D. Ask the client about their understanding of the diagnosis is the priority action. Before any other interventions, the nurse must assess the client’s knowledge and perception of their condition. This foundational step allows the nurse to provide appropriate education, clarify any misconceptions, and ensure that all care planning aligns with the client’s needs, values, and readiness to engage in discussions about their care.