When a client is crying out, "Please help me!" what is the most appropriate response by the nurse?

The response "I want to help you. I realize that you must be very frightened." is the most appropriate because it directly acknowledges the client's distress and expresses a willingness to assist them. This is crucial in mental health nursing, especially in situations involving psychosis or acute emotional distress.

By recognizing the client's fear, the nurse validates their feelings and builds rapport. Expressing a desire to help fosters trust and creates a therapeutic relationship, essential for effective communication and intervention. It signals to the client that their feelings are being heard, which can be reassuring during an overwhelming moment.

While the other options provide some level of support, they do not engage with the client's emotional state as effectively. Saying "You are safe here now" may offer some comfort but does not fully acknowledge the depth of the client's anxiety. Encouraging the client to talk about their worries or to focus on the present moment might be beneficial in other contexts, but in this specific moment of crisis, expressing empathy and a desire to help is paramount.