Final answer:
The best response is to ask the client why they feel no one can help them, showing empathy and the desire to understand their situation. Telling them things will improve soon or they are overreacting is not advisable as it may dismiss their feelings. Starting with understanding leads to better individualized care and reflects the need for attentive mental health approaches.
Step-by-step explanation:
The best response for the nurse to make to a client who has been admitted to the psychiatric unit and says, "My problems are so bad that no one can help me," would be to ask the client why they feel that way. This approach shows empathy and a genuine interest in the client's feelings without making assumptions or dismissing their concerns. It is important for the nurse to establish a therapeutic rapport, listen to the client's problems, and validate their feelings.
Choices such as telling the client things will get better soon or that they are overreacting are not advisable as they may minimize the client's experience or provide false reassurance. Assuring the client that the nurse will do everything possible to help could be appropriate, but initially, it's more important to understand the client's perspective thoroughly. This is consistent with the problem-solution reasoning strategy which can be used to highlight issues such as long wait times, the prevalence of mental health issues within the student community, and the high staff-to-student ratio.