A client who exhibits significant weight loss and poorly fitting clothing while exhibiting depressive symptoms should be assessed for which priority issue?

In this scenario, the client’s significant weight loss and poorly fitting clothing, combined with depressive symptoms, highlight a potential priority concern related to nutrition. When individuals experience depression, their appetite and eating habits can be significantly affected. This can lead to malnutrition, further exacerbating the depressive symptoms and impacting overall health.

Assessing nutrition is crucial because it helps to identify whether the client is getting adequate nutrients, which is essential for physical and mental well-being. If a client is not consuming enough food or is consuming a diet lacking in essential nutrients, this can worsen their mood and energy levels, and create a vicious cycle where depression leads to poor nutrition, which in turn leads to more severe depressive symptoms.

While other issues such as suicidal ideation, substance abuse, and sleep disturbances are also important to consider in a holistic mental health assessment, the immediate concern based on the client's physical symptoms is the need to assess and address their nutrition status. A focus on nutrition can provide a foundation for improving overall health and potentially alleviating some depressive symptoms.