A nurse in the Emergency Department is caring for a client with symptoms of depression and admits to thoughts of self-harm with a plan. The client has a history of borderline personality disorder, depression, and substance abuse. Which of the following is the priority action by the nurse?

Choice A rationale:

Other than possible coordination problems, the client's psychomotor skills are not affected. Severe Intellectual Disability (ID) is characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning as well as adaptive behaviors. Coordination problems are not a primary characteristic of severe ID. The main focus is on cognitive and adaptive deficits.

Choice B rationale:

The client communicates wants and needs by "acting out behaviors." Severe ID can lead to challenges in effective communication. "Acting out behaviors" such as tantrums, aggression, or other disruptive actions might be the client's way of expressing themselves when they are unable to communicate verbally or effectively due to their cognitive limitations.

Choice C rationale:

The client can perform some self-care activities independently. Severe ID typically involves significant impairments in adaptive functioning, which includes self-care activities. The ability to perform some self-care activities independently is not consistent with the characteristics of severe ID.

Choice D rationale:

The client has advanced speech development. Severe ID is associated with delayed or impaired speech and language development. Advanced speech development would be contradictory to the diagnosis of severe ID, as this condition is characterized by substantial limitations in communication skills.

Answer is d. Maintain eye contact with the client and summarize the client’s feelings.

a. Identify other housing options and sources of transportation: While it is essential to address practical needs such as housing and transportation for clients who have experienced a crisis like a house fire, it is not the immediate priority when the client is in acute emotional distress. In this scenario, the client is expressing emotional distress and may not be ready to focus on practical solutions. Therefore, addressing the client's emotional needs should take precedence over addressing practical concerns.

b. Notify the facility chaplain to request scheduling an appointment: While spiritual support can be beneficial for individuals coping with trauma or loss, it should not be the immediate response when a client is in acute emotional distress. While the chaplain's support may be sought later as part of the client's holistic care, it should not precede addressing the client's immediate emotional needs.

c. Confirm that everything will be all right because belongings can be replaced: This option is incorrect because it offers false reassurance and dismisses the client's feelings about their loss. While it is true that belongings can be replaced, the emotional impact of losing possessions, especially in a traumatic event like a house fire, should not be trivialized. The client's feelings of distress and uncertainty are valid and should be acknowledged and addressed by the nurse.

d. Maintain eye contact with the client and summarize the client’s feelings: Correct. This action demonstrates therapeutic communication, which is crucial in providing an atmosphere of support and safety for the client. Maintaining eye contact shows empathy, support, and advocacy, indicating to the client that their feelings are being heard and validated. Summarizing the client's feelings allows the nurse to demonstrate active listening and understanding, fostering trust and rapport between the nurse and client. By prioritizing the client's emotional needs, the nurse can help the client begin to process their feelings and move towards coping and problem-solving.

In summary, the correct answer is d because maintaining eye contact with the client and summarizing their feelings demonstrates therapeutic communication, which is essential in providing support and validation for the client's emotional distress. This approach allows the nurse to establish rapport and trust with the client, facilitating further therapeutic interventions and support.