When seeing a young adult client who has been depressed and expressing thoughts of hopelessness but has not overtly reported having thoughts of suicide. Despite the fact that the client has not reported suicidal thoughts, the nurse should initiate a suicide risk assessment with the client for which reason?

A. "Are you feeling worse since taking the medication?" This is an important safety question to ask, as it helps to assess whether the client’s condition has worsened since starting the medication. However, it is not the first priority when evaluating the efficacy of a newly prescribed antidepressant.

B. "How long have you been taking the medication?" This is the most important question to ask first because the effectiveness of imipramine, a tricyclic antidepressant, can take several weeks to become apparent. If the client has not been taking the medication for an adequate period, the drug may simply not have had enough time to work yet.

C. "What time of day are you taking the medication?" While the timing of the medication can affect side effects, it is less critical than knowing how long the client has been on the medication when assessing its effectiveness.

D. "What dosage of medication are you taking?" This is an important follow-up question but not the first priority. The duration of treatment is more critical to assess before considering dosage adjustments.

A. Maintaining accurate records of intake and output: While monitoring intake and output is important for assessing fluid balance and kidney function, it is not as immediate a concern as maintaining an airway in an unconscious client.

B. Maintaining a patent airway: This is the highest priority because an unconscious client is at high risk of airway obstruction due to the loss of protective reflexes. Ensuring that the airway remains open is critical to prevent respiratory distress or arrest.

C. Inserting a nasogastric (NG) tube as prescribed: Inserting an NG tube might be necessary for feeding or draining gastric contents, but it is secondary to the more urgent need of ensuring a clear airway.

D. Providing appropriate pain control: Pain control is important but should be considered after addressing more immediate threats to the client's safety, such as maintaining a patent airway.