Final answer:
The most important initial question for a nurse to ask a client seeking help for depression is if they are having thoughts about hurting themselves, as this addresses immediate safety concerns (option B).
Step-by-step explanation:
A nurse in a community health clinic is assessing a client who has two preschoolers, was recently divorced, and is seeking help for managing depression. When prioritizing which questions to ask first, safety must take precedence. Therefore, the best initial question to ask is:
B. Are you having thoughts about hurting yourself?
This question directly addresses the patient's immediate safety, which is of utmost concern in a healthcare setting. Clients with depression may experience frequent thoughts of self harm or death, and understanding whether they have thoughts of self-harm can guide the urgency and type of intervention required. Should the client indicate no intent or thoughts of self-harm, the nurse may then proceed to explore feelings, available support, and coping mechanisms, in that order.
Hence, the answer is option B.