Final answer:
The nurse is empathizing with the patient and offering reassurance that feeling down is normal and that things will improve.
Step-by-step explanation:
In this conversation, the nurse is responding to a patient who expresses a desire to be dead. The nurse's response suggests that feeling down is a common experience and that things often get worse before they improve.
The nurse's statement of "Everyone gets down in the dumps" is an example of empathy and understanding towards the patient's feelings. The nurse then uses the phrase "Things get worse before they get better" to provide reassurance and perspective. These statements reflect the nurse's attempt to build rapport with the patient and provide some comfort during a difficult time.