What should a nurse's priority response be when a client at a crisis hotline states, "I cannot take it. My life is over"?

The priority response in this situation is to ask the client if they are thinking of harming themselves. This approach is crucial because it directly addresses the potential risk of suicide or self-harm. When a client expresses feelings of despair and hopelessness, as indicated by their statement, it is essential for the nurse to assess the immediate safety of the client.

By inquiring about thoughts of self-harm, the nurse can better understand the severity of the client's situation and determine the appropriate interventions. This response shows the client that their feelings are taken seriously and prompts them to engage in an open dialogue about their mental state. If the client is indeed contemplating self-harm, this information would necessitate urgent action to ensure the client's safety and connect them with appropriate resources for crisis intervention.

While encouraging the client to talk about their feelings, suggesting they call a trusted friend, or advising face-to-face counseling can be beneficial in providing support, the primary focus in a crisis scenario must be on assessing and mitigating immediate risk to the client’s well-being. The safety assessment takes precedence in the context of crisis intervention.