Assessing Suicidal Ideation in Major Depression

During a comprehensive assessment of a client diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD), the psychiatric nurse gathers information from various sources. The nurse learns that the client's symptoms have persisted for more than two weeks, including significant weight loss, insomnia, fatigue, and pervasive feelings of worthlessness. As part of the treatment plan, the nurse is tasked with identifying the most critical components to monitor in the daily care of the client to prevent a worsening of the condition. In particular, it is crucial to assess the client's ___________ (fill in the blank) to gauge the severity of depressive episodes and the risk of self-harm.