A client with depression shows an improvement in affect and hygiene. After identifying her strengths, what should the nurse do next?

Reinforcing the client for identifying and sharing her strengths is a therapeutic strategy that helps to build the client's self-esteem and encourage further participation in her own treatment. Recognizing and reflecting on one's own strengths is a critical component of recovery in depression, as it empowers the client and fosters a positive self-image. This reinforcement creates a supportive environment where the client feels validated and more confident in her abilities, making her more likely to engage in further discussions about her strengths and coping mechanisms.

This supportive approach is especially important in the context of mood disorders, where individuals may often have negative self-perceptions. By focusing on and reinforcing her strengths, the nurse not only acknowledges the client's progress but also encourages ongoing motivation, which is vital for sustained improvement in her mental health.

In contrast to this approach, asking the client to identify additional strengths may be overwhelming at this stage, especially if she is still adjusting to recognizing her existing strengths. Assigning her leadership in a cooking group might place undue pressure on her and could lead to anxiety rather than encourage growth. Educating the client about medication, while important, may not be the most immediate next step following her initial success in recognizing strengths, as it does not directly support the therapeutic relationship or her current self-efficacy