What is an appropriate action for the nurse to take to help a student dealing with bullying and suicidal thoughts?

Providing a crisis hotline number is an appropriate action for the nurse to take because it offers the student immediate access to support and resources in a time of crisis. Hotlines are staffed by trained professionals who can provide emotional support, guidance, and practical assistance. This step empowers the student to seek help in a safe and confidential manner, which is crucial when dealing with the complexities of bullying and suicidal thoughts.

The other options may be well-intentioned but are not as effective as the first choice. Informing the student's parents about the bullying could lead to unintended consequences and may not be perceived as supportive by the student, especially if they fear retribution or do not wish to involve their parents. Focusing solely on the student's sexual orientation fails to address the broader context of the bullying and the student's emotional health. Contacting the school without identifying the student could potentially leave the student feeling unsupported if they don’t know the actions taken on their behalf. Thus, the best approach is to provide immediate and direct help through a crisis hotline.