When developing a care plan for a client with suicidal ideation, what should the nurse prioritize?

When developing a care plan for a client with suicidal ideation, prioritizing safety is crucial. The foremost concern in such cases is to ensure that the individual is protected from self-harm or suicide attempts. This involves assessing the risk factors for suicide, creating an environment that minimizes access to means of self-harm, and implementing strategies to keep the client safe, such as close observation or interventions that promote open communication about their feelings and thoughts.

By focusing on safety, the nurse can help establish a foundation for further treatment. Once the immediate safety concerns are addressed, other aspects such as self-esteem, sleep, and hygiene can be incorporated into the care plan. These elements can significantly impact a person's overall well-being and mental health, but they should be secondary to ensuring that the individual is safe from self-harm in the acute phase of treatment. This hierarchical prioritization is essential in effectively managing clients with suicidal ideation.