A 12-year-old PICU patient with a chronic illness tells the nurse, 'I just want to die, I can't do this anymore.' What is the nurse's priority response?
-
A
Reassure the patient that everything will be fine to reduce distress
-
B
Ask directly whether the patient is thinking about ending their life
-
C
Immediately administer an anxiolytic per standing orders
-
D
Notify the parents and leave the room to give the patient privacy