Nursing Elites

1. Natasha's husband died suddenly two months ago, and she has been overwhelmed with grief. When Natasha is subsequently diagnosed with major depressive disorder, her daughter, Nadia, makes which true statement?

• A. Depression often begins after a major loss. Losing dad was a major loss.
• B. Bereavement and depression are the same problem.
• C. Mourning is pathological and not normal behavior.
• D. Antidepressant medications will not help this type of depression.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When individuals experience a significant loss, such as the death of a loved one, it can trigger major depressive disorder. This is because the intense grief and sadness associated with the loss can lead to the development of depressive symptoms. Therefore, Nadia's statement that 'Depression often begins after a major loss' is accurate in this context.

2. When assessing a patient with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), which symptom would a nurse most likely observe?

• A. Flashbacks
• B. Excessive worry
• C. Hallucinations
• D. Compulsive behaviors

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Excessive worry is a primary characteristic of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Patients with GAD experience persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of their lives, often anticipating disaster or catastrophic outcomes. This worry is difficult to control and can be accompanied by physical symptoms like restlessness, fatigue, irritability, muscle tension, and difficulty concentrating. Flashbacks are more commonly associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), hallucinations are more typical of psychotic disorders, and compulsive behaviors are characteristic of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Therefore, when assessing a patient with GAD, a nurse would most likely observe excessive worry.

3. What principle about patient-nurse communication should guide a nurse's fear of saying the wrong thing to a patient?

• A. Patients tend to appreciate a well-meaning person who conveys genuine acceptance, respect, and concern for their situation.
• B. Patients are more interested in conversing with you than in hearing your perspective, making offense unlikely.
• C. Considering the patient's background, the likelihood of the comment causing harm is minimal.
• D. Individuals with mental illness often possess a heightened capacity for forgiveness.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Patients value interactions with healthcare providers who express genuine acceptance, respect, and concern for their well-being. By focusing on conveying these qualities, a nurse can help alleviate fears of saying the wrong thing as patients appreciate the sincerity and empathy in the communication. This approach fosters trust and a positive therapeutic relationship, enhancing the effectiveness of patient-nurse communication.

4. Which intervention would be appropriate for assisting a client diagnosed with major depressive disorder?

• A. Encourage discussion of feelings
• B. Offer family therapy sessions
• C. Discuss childhood events
• D. Teach alternate coping skills

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Offering family therapy sessions would be the most appropriate intervention for a client diagnosed with major depressive disorder. Family therapy can be beneficial as it addresses interpersonal relationships within the family system, which is crucial in managing major depressive disorder effectively. This approach aligns with Sullivan's interpersonal theory, which emphasizes the impact of interpersonal relationships on individual behavior and personality development. In contrast, encouraging discussion of feelings, discussing childhood events, or teaching alternate coping skills may not directly address the interpersonal dynamics contributing to the client's major depressive disorder.

5. Based on what criteria do most cultures label behavior as mental illness?

• A. Incomprehensibility and cultural relativity
• B. Strength of character and ethics
• C. Goal directedness and high energy
• D. Creativity and good coping skills

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Incomprehensibility and cultural relativity. Incomprehensibility and cultural relativity are the main criteria used across cultures to define behavior as mental illness. When behavior is incomprehensible and significantly deviates from cultural norms, it is more likely to be classified as a mental illness. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Strength of character, ethics, goal directedness, high energy, creativity, and good coping skills are typically associated with positive mental health rather than mental illness.

Similar Questions