A nurse is conducting a mental status examination. Which of the following questions should the nurse ask to determine the client's insight?

A. "Why did you feel like giving away your belongings?"
This response is empathetic and invites the client to explore their feelings and motivations. It shows understanding and can help the nurse comprehend the client's emotional state better.

B. "You should find a support group to attend."
This response suggests a proactive step to seek support, which can be helpful. However, it might be premature in this context as the nurse hasn't fully assessed the client's situation yet. It's important to understand the client's feelings and circumstances before recommending specific interventions.

C. "Everyone feels a little down sometimes."
This response minimizes the client's feelings and can be invalidating. It doesn't acknowledge the seriousness of the client's statement, which might discourage them from opening up further.

D. "Can you tell me how you have been feeling lately?"
As previously explained, this response is empathetic and open-ended, encouraging the client to share their emotions and thoughts. It's a good starting point for a therapeutic conversation, allowing the nurse to assess the client's current mental state.

A. A client who reports that he enjoys smoking marijuana on weekends:
This situation involves an individual admitting to recreational drug use. While marijuana use might be illegal in some jurisdictions, it is generally not a reportable offense by itself unless it involves a minor. However, the nurse should educate the client about the potential risks associated with drug use.

B. A client who reports that she took $20 from the cash register where she works:
This scenario involves a confession of theft. While stealing is a legal offense, it does not fall under the category of mandatory reporting unless it involves abuse or neglect of a vulnerable population (such as elderly individuals in a care facility). The appropriate action here would be for the nurse to address the issue within the facility's protocols, but it does not require reporting to an external agency.

C. A client who reports lying to his provider about having suicidal ideation:
This situation involves dishonesty with a healthcare provider. While it is concerning behavior, it does not typically fall under the category of mandatory reporting. Instead, it highlights the importance of addressing trust issues and ensuring open communication between the client and healthcare providers.

D. A client who reports that her partner ties their child to a bed as punishment:
This scenario involves a report of child abuse. Tying a child to a bed as punishment can be considered a form of physical abuse and a violation of the child's safety and well-being. Healthcare professionals, including nurses, are mandated reporters of suspected child abuse or neglect. They are required by law to report such incidents to the appropriate child protective services agency to ensure the safety of the child involved.