Which therapeutic response should a nurse use with a client stating "My child is dead, and I don't want to live anymore"?

The selected therapeutic response is effective because it encourages the client to open up about their feelings and experiences, creating an opportunity for deeper emotional exploration. This approach is especially important in situations involving profound grief and potential suicidal ideation, as it demonstrates empathy and validates the client's pain while fostering a supportive therapeutic environment.

By inviting the client to share more about their feelings, the nurse helps them process their grief and concerns. This kind of response can facilitate a conversation that may lead to finding coping strategies or connecting the client to additional resources for emotional support. Opening the dialogue allows the nurse to assess suicidal thoughts more accurately and engage the client in discussing their emotions, which is critical in crisis situations.

Other responses, though they might show some level of understanding or acknowledgment, do not facilitate the same depth of conversation. Some options might minimize the client's feelings or suggest unrealistic expectations, such as thinking positively, which may not be appropriate in the context of acute grief.