A patient diagnosed with depression repeatedly tells staff, "I have cancer. It's my punishment for being a bad person." Diagnostic tests reveal no cancer. Select the priority nursing diagnosis.
a. Powerlessness
b. Risk for suicide
c. Stress overload
d. Spiritual distress
Answer: B
A patient diagnosed with depression who feels so worthless as to believe cancer is deserved is at risk for suicide. Safety concerns take priority over the other diagnoses listed.