A nurse is caring for a client who lost their child 6 months ago. The client states, "Not only do I miss my child, but I also feel so distant from my partner." Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

Rationale for correct choice:

• Determine the client's level of anxiety to check for the risk of self-harm: Assessing the client’s anxiety is vital in identifying any risk of self-harm or suicidal thoughts, especially after trauma. This helps the nurse provide appropriate interventions to ensure the client's safety.

Rationale for incorrect choices:

• Tell the client their consent is not required prior to collecting potential physical evidence: The nurse must obtain the client’s consent before collecting any physical evidence. Consent is a legal and ethical requirement, especially in cases of sexual assault.
• Ask the client if they often walk alone when out in public places: This question may inadvertently lead to feelings of guilt or self-blame and is not an immediate priority. The focus should be on addressing the trauma and the client's current needs.
• Avoid asking the client open-ended questions during the interview: Open-ended questions allow the client to express their feelings and experiences, which is essential in trauma care. Avoiding them could hinder the client’s ability to share and may limit the nurse’s understanding of the situation.

A. "Nicotine causes an increase in blood pressure.": Nicotine is a stimulant that can constrict blood vessels, leading to an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. It is one of the known cardiovascular effects of smoking.

B. "Anabolic steroids stimulate the immune system.": Anabolic steroids can actually have a suppressive effect on the immune system, making users more susceptible to infections. Their primary effects are on muscle growth and secondary male characteristics.

C. "Methamphetamine causes weight gain.": Methamphetamine is a stimulant that typically causes weight loss, not weight gain, due to its appetite-suppressing effects and increased metabolism.

D. "Amphetamines alleviate symptoms of depression.": While amphetamines can temporarily improve mood and increase energy, they are not a primary or safe treatment for depression.as can lead to dependence, making them inappropriate for long-term management of depression.