A hospice nurse is caring for a 68-year-old client who recently lost their spouse of 45 years. The client states, 'I feel so lost without them. Every day is a struggle, and I just don't see the point anymore.' The client is refusing to eat, reporting significant weight loss (5 kg in two weeks), and isolating themselves from family. What is the priority nursing intervention?

Question: A hospice nurse is caring for a 68-year-old client who recently lost their spouse of 45 years. The client states, 'I feel so lost without them. Every day is a struggle, and I just don't see the point anymore.' The client is refusing to eat, reporting significant weight loss (5 kg in two weeks), and isolating themselves from family. What is the priority nursing intervention?

Answer options:

• Encourage the client to join a bereavement support group.
• Refer the client to a spiritual care provider for emotional support. ✅ Assess for signs of clinical depression, including suicidal ideation.
• Educate the client about the normal stages of grief and loss.

Correct answer: Assess for signs of clinical depression, including suicidal ideation.

Explanation: While the client is grieving, the significant weight loss, isolation, and profound statements of hopelessness (e.g., 'don't see the point anymore') indicate a potential for clinical depression and a risk for suicide. Therefore, the priority is to assess for these serious concerns to ensure the client's immediate safety and mental health needs are met, before implementing other supportive interventions.