What is the priority nursing diagnosis for a client with a history of major depressive disorder expressing feelings of isolation and hopelessness?

The priority nursing diagnosis for a client with a history of major depressive disorder expressing feelings of isolation and hopelessness is the risk for suicide. This choice highlights the crucial need to assess and address the safety of the patient, as underlying hopelessness and feelings of isolation can significantly elevate the risk of suicidal ideation and behaviors in individuals with major depressive disorder.

When a client expresses such feelings, it indicates that they may be experiencing severe emotional distress, which could lead to thoughts of self-harm or suicide. As nurses, the primary responsibility is to ensure patient safety, making it essential to prioritize interventions that address this risk.

In recognizing the context of the other options, while feelings of hopelessness and ineffective coping are significant concerns, they do not inherently threaten the client’s immediate safety in the same way that suicide risk does. Risk for infection, while important in various medical contexts, does not relate directly to the mental health crisis posed by potential suicidal thoughts in a patient with depression. Therefore, the most critical focus is on evaluating and monitoring suicide risk, implementing protective measures, and providing appropriate interventions.