A nurse working in the county jail interviews a man who recently committed a violent sexual assault against a woman. Which comment from this perpetrator is most likely?

A. Obtain information as covertly as possible is not recommended. While it's important to handle the situation with sensitivity, the nurse should maintain transparency and create an environment where the family feels safe to share information. Covert questioning can raise suspicion and might not facilitate open communication.
B. Avoid responding to hints that abuse has occurred is not appropriate. If there are hints of abuse, it’s crucial for the nurse to respond with empathy, concern, and to acknowledge those hints, as this can help the child and family feel supported. Ignoring signs of potential abuse could lead to further harm.
C. Be open, concerned, and honest is the best approach. The nurse should express concern in a non-judgmental, empathetic manner. This builds trust and encourages the family to provide accurate information, which is crucial for the child’s safety and well-being. It also ensures the nurse can assess the situation appropriately.
D. Separate the family from the child during the interview may be necessary in some cases if the nurse suspects abuse and needs to speak with the child alone to avoid further pressure or influence from family members. However, this is not a first-step intervention; it should only be done if the nurse has reason to believe that the family’s presence may hinder the interview or prevent the child from being honest.

A. A cry for sympathy is an oversimplified interpretation of the comment. While the statement might reflect feelings of sadness, it should not be assumed to be merely seeking sympathy. The focus should be on the underlying concerns of loss and despair.
B. Normal grieving refers to the emotional response to the loss of loved ones, which can involve feelings of sadness, but the comment reflects more than just grief. The man mentions financial concerns, declining health, and the loss of significant people in his life, which may point to a deeper sense of hopelessness or despair that goes beyond normal grieving.
C. Normal negativity of older adults is a stereotype and does not accurately reflect the individual's situation. While some older adults may experience negative feelings due to various life challenges, it is important to distinguish between normal aging-related sadness and more serious emotional distress or mental health concerns.
D. Evidence of suicide risk is the most concerning interpretation. The comment includes elements of hopelessness ("My money is running out, and my health is failing") and isolation ("My family and friends are all dead"), which can be indicators of a risk for suicide. Older adults are at an increased risk for suicide, especially when they experience multiple losses, declining health, and financial difficulties.