Free Persistent Depressive Disorder Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A patient who denies having suicidal thoughts arrives at the emergency room complaining of mood swings, anorexia, insomnia, and irritation. Which therapy would the nurse start with?
- Request a psychiatric consultation
- Eliminate any dangerous substances from the environment
- Complete a complete physical examination with lab work (Correct answer)
- Place the client on a one-to-one observation
Correct answer: Complete a complete physical examination with lab work
Before diagnosing and treating a psychiatric condition, it is crucial to rule out any underlying medical causes that could be mimicking or contributing to the patient's symptoms. A complete physical examination with lab work can identify physiological issues, such as thyroid dysfunction, electrolyte imbalances, or substance use, which can present with mood swings, anorexia, and insomnia. Addressing these medical issues first ensures appropriate and effective care.
Question 2: A customer arranges and executes the wake and burial of a youngster killed in a car accident. According to Engel's model, at which stage of typical sorrow would this client experience grief?
- Resolution of the loss
- Restitution (Correct answer)
- Developing awareness
- Recovery
Correct answer: Restitution
According to Engel's model of grief, the 'restitution' stage involves the work of mourning, where individuals engage in cultural and religious rituals associated with loss. Arranging and executing a wake and burial are examples of these restorative actions, which help the bereaved begin to adapt to the reality of the loss and integrate it into their lives. This stage provides a structured way to express grief and seek support.
Question 3: Following a failed suicide attempt, a patient with serious depression was admitted to the psychiatric unit. The nurse would also check for feelings of sadness and hopelessness.
- Meticulous attention to grooming and hygiene
- Guilt, indecisiveness, poor self-concept
- Anxiety, unconscious anger, and hostility
- Psychomotor retardation or agitation (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Psychomotor retardation or agitation
In addition to sadness and hopelessness, psychomotor changes are hallmark symptoms of severe depression. Patients may exhibit psychomotor retardation, characterized by slowed movements, speech, and thought processes, or psychomotor agitation, involving restlessness and an inability to sit still. Assessing for these physical manifestations provides a more complete picture of the client's depressive state and guides appropriate interventions.
Question 4: What therapeutic communication technique is most likely to assist a sad client in expressing their feelings?
- Silence, active listening (Correct answer)
- Direct confrontation
- Reality orientation
- Projective identification
Correct answer: Silence, active listening
Silence and active listening are powerful therapeutic communication techniques that create a supportive environment for a sad client to express their feelings. Silence allows the client time to process thoughts and formulate responses without feeling rushed, while active listening conveys empathy and validates their experiences. This approach fosters trust and encourages deeper emotional sharing, which is crucial for healing.
Question 5: A patient whose appointment includes electro-convulsive therapy queries the nurse about how the treatment helps with her depression. The nurse's response is predicated on her knowledge of how ECT:
- Increases sensitivity to outside stimuli
- Removes the acetylcholine neurotransmitter
- Causes a seizure that briefly changes the brain's chemical balance (Correct answer)
- Lowers cortisol production from the adrenal cortex
Correct answer: Causes a seizure that briefly changes the brain's chemical balance
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) works by inducing a controlled seizure in the brain, which is believed to rapidly alter brain chemistry and neurotransmitter levels. This neurochemical reset helps alleviate severe symptoms of depression, particularly when other treatments have been ineffective. The seizure activity is thought to normalize brain function and improve mood regulation.
Question 6: The nurse is reviewing a depressed client's prior admission history. Anhedonia has been documented, and it is mentioned. The nurse is aware that this condition is related to
- Reports of difficulty falling and staying asleep
- Expression of persistent suicidal thoughts
- Reduced senses of taste and smell
- Lack of enjoyment in usual pleasures (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Lack of enjoyment in usual pleasures
Anhedonia is a core symptom of depression characterized by a diminished ability to experience pleasure or enjoyment from activities that were once considered pleasurable. It signifies a loss of interest or satisfaction in life, contributing significantly to the overall distress and functional impairment experienced by individuals with depression. Recognizing anhedonia is crucial for accurate assessment and treatment planning.
Question 7: Prince is a customer who exhibits an anxious and scared disposition and finds it challenging to complete tasks due to his fear of failing. Due to his frequent absences from work and signs of an alcohol problem, he has been referred to the employee assistance program. <br> <br> Which nursing diagnostic is most suitable?
- Disturbed thought process
- Decisional conflict
- Ineffective coping (Correct answer)
- Risk for self-directed violence
Correct answer: Ineffective coping
Prince's presentation, including anxiety, fear of failure, difficulty completing tasks, frequent work absences, and alcohol use, collectively indicates maladaptive responses to stress and life challenges. Ineffective coping is the most suitable nursing diagnosis as it encompasses these behaviors, highlighting a pattern of unsuccessful attempts to manage stressors. Addressing this diagnosis involves helping Prince develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Free Persistent Depressive Disorder Questions and Answers
A patient who denies having suicidal thoughts arrives at the emergency room complaining of mood swings, anorexia, insomnia, and irritation.
Which therapy would the nurse start with?