Chapter 14 : Depressive Disorders
The admission note indicates a patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder has anergia and anhedonia. For which measures should the nurse plan? (Select all that apply.)
Instilling a sense of hopefulness Assisting with self-care activities Accommodating psychomotor retardation Anergia refers to a lack of energy. Anhedonia refers to the inability to find pleasure or meaning in life; thus, planning should include measures to accommodate psychomotor retardation, assist with activities of daily living, and instill hopefulness. Anergia is lack of energy, not excessive energy. Anhedonia does not necessarily imply the presence of guilty ruminations
A patient was diagnosed with seasonal affective disorder (SAD). During which month would this patient's symptoms be most acute?
January The days are short in January, so the patient would have the least exposure to sunlight. SAD is associated with disturbances in circadian rhythm. Days are longer in spring, summer, and fall.
A patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder 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.
Risk for suicide A patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder who feels so worthless as to believe cancer is deserved is at risk for suicide. Safety concerns take priority over the other diagnoses listed.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TCM) is scheduled for a patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder. Which comment by the patient indicates teaching about the procedure was effective?
"I might be a little dizzy or have a mild headache after each procedure." TCM treatments take about 30 minutes. Treatments are usually 5 days a week. Patients are awake and alert during the procedure. After the procedure, patients may experience a headache and lightheadedness. No neurological deficits or memory problems have been noted. The patient will be able to care for children.
A patient became severely depressed when the last of the family's six children moved out of the home 4 months ago. The patient repeatedly says, "No one cares about me. I'm not worth anything." Which response by the nurse would be the most helpful?
"I'll sit with you for 10 minutes now and 10 minutes after lunch to help you feel that I care about you." Spending time with the patient at intervals throughout the day shows acceptance by the nurse and will help the patient establish a relationship with the nurse. The therapeutic technique is "offering self." Setting definite times for the therapeutic contacts and keeping the appointments show predictability on the part of the nurse, an element that fosters trust building. The incorrect responses would be difficult for a person with profound depression to believe, provide false reassurance, and are counterproductive. The patient is unable to say positive things at this point.
A patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder tells the nurse, "Bad things that happen are always my fault." Which response by the nurse will best assist the patient to reframe this overgeneralization?
"Let's look at one bad thing that happened to see if another explanation exists." By questioning a faulty assumption, the nurse can help the patient look at the premise more objectively and reframe it as a more accurate representation of fact. The incorrect responses cast doubt but do not require the patient to evaluate the statement.
A patient being treated for depression has taken sertraline daily for a year. The patient calls the clinic nurse and says, "I stopped taking my antidepressant 2 days ago. Now I am having nausea, nervous feelings, and I can't sleep." The nurse will advise the patient to:
"Take a dose of your antidepressant now and come to the clinic to see the health care provider." The patient has symptoms associated with abrupt withdrawal of the antidepressant. Taking a dose of the drug will ameliorate the symptoms. Seeing the health care provider will allow the patient to discuss the advisability of going off the medication and to be given a gradual withdrawal schedule if discontinuation is the decision. This situation is not a medical emergency, although it calls for medical advice. Resuming taking the antidepressant for 2 more weeks and then discontinuing again would produce the same symptoms the patient is experiencing.
A patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder says, "No one cares about me anymore. I'm not worth anything." Today the patient is wearing a new shirt and has neat, clean hair. Which remark by the nurse supports building a positive self-esteem for this patient?
"You're wearing a new shirt." Patients with depression usually see the negative side of things. The meaning of compliments may be altered to "I didn't look nice yesterday" or "They didn't like my other shirt." Neutral comments such as making an observation avoid negative interpretations. Saying, "You look nice" or "I like your shirt" gives approval (nontherapeutic techniques). Saying "You must be feeling better today" is an assumption, which is nontherapeutic.
During a psychiatric assessment, the nurse observes a patient's facial expression is without emotion. The patient says, "Life feels so hopeless to me. I've been feeling sad for several months." How will the nurse document the patient's affect and mood?
Affect flat; mood depressed Mood refers to a person's self-reported emotional feeling state. Affect is the emotional feeling state that is outwardly observable by others. When there is no evidence of emotion in a person's expression, the affect is flat.
A nurse caring for a patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder reads in the patient's medical record, "This patient shows vegetative signs of depression." Which nursing diagnoses most clearly relate to this documentation? (Select all that apply.)
Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements Sexual dysfunction Self-care deficit Insomnia Vegetative signs of depression are alterations in body processes necessary to support life and growth, such as eating, sleeping, elimination, and sexual activity. These diagnoses are more closely related to vegetative signs than diagnoses associated with feelings about self.
A patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder does not interact with others except when addressed, and then only in monosyllables. The nurse wants to show nonjudgmental acceptance and support for the patient. Which communication technique will be effective?
Make observations. Making observations about neutral topics draws the patient into the reality around him or her but places no burdensome expectations for answers on the patient. Acceptance and support are shown by the nurse's presence. Direct questions may make the patient feel that the encounter is an interrogation. Open-ended questions are preferable if the patient is able to participate in dialogue. Platitudes are never acceptable. They minimize patient feelings and can increase feelings of worthlessness
A nurse taught a patient about a tyramine-restricted diet. Which menu selection would the nurse approve?
Mashed potatoes, ground beef patty, corn, green beans, apple pie The correct answer describes a meal that contains little tyramine. Vegetables and fruits contain little or no tyramine. Fresh ground beef and apple pie are safe. The other meals contain various amounts of tyramine-rich foods or foods that contain vasopressors: avocados, ripe bananas (banana bread), sausages/hot dogs, smoked meat (ham), cheddar cheese, yeast, caffeine drinks, and chocolate.
A patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder refuses solid foods. In order to meet nutritional needs, which beverage will the nurse offer to this patient?
Milk Milk is the only beverage listed that provides protein, fat, and carbohydrates.
A patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder shows vegetative signs of depression. Which nursing actions should be implemented? (Select all that apply.)
Offer laxatives if needed. Monitor food and fluid intake. Provide a quiet sleep environment. The correct options promote a normal elimination pattern. Although excessive intake of stimulants such as caffeine may make the patient feel jittery and anxious, small amounts may provide useful stimulation. No indication exists that processed foods should be restricted.
Major depressive disorder resulted after a patient's employment was terminated. The patient now says to the nurse, "I'm not worth the time you spend with me. I am the most useless person in the world." Which nursing diagnosis applies?
Situational low self-esteem The patient's statements express feelings of worthlessness and most clearly relate to the nursing diagnosis of situational low self-esteem. Insufficient information exists to lead to other diagnoses.
Which documentation for a patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder indicates the treatment plan was effective?
Slept 6 hours uninterrupted. Sang with activity group. Anticipates seeing grandchild. Sleeping 6 hours, participating with a group, and anticipating an event are all positive findings that suggest effectiveness of the plan of care. All the other options show at least one negative finding.
An adult diagnosed with major depressive disorder was treated with medication and cognitive-behavioral therapy. The patient now recognizes how passivity contributed to the depression. Which intervention should the nurse suggest?
Social skills training Social skills training is helpful in treating and preventing the recurrence of depression. Training focuses on assertiveness and coping skills that lead to positive reinforcement from others and development of a patient's support system. Use of complementary therapy refers to adjunctive therapies such as herbals, which would be less helpful than social skills training. Assertiveness would be of greater value than relaxation training because passivity was a concern. Desensitization is used in treatment of phobias.
What is the focus of priority nursing interventions for the period immediately after electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) treatment?
Supporting physiological stability During the immediate posttreatment period, the patient is recovering from general anesthesia; hence, the priority need is to establish and support physiological stability. Reducing disorientation and confusion is an acceptable intervention but not the priority. Assisting the patient in identifying and testing negative thoughts is inappropriate in the immediate posttreatment period because the patient may be confused.
A patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder received six ECT sessions and aggressive doses of antidepressant medication. The patient owns a small business and was counseled not to make major decisions for a month. Select the correct rationale for this counseling
Temporary memory impairments and confusion may occur with ECT. Recent memory impairment and/or confusion may be present during and for a short time after ECT. An inappropriate business decision might be made because of forgotten important details. The rationales are untrue statements in the incorrect responses. The patient needing time to reorient to a pressured work schedule is less relevant than the correct rationale.
A patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder is receiving imipramine 200 mg qhs. Which assessment finding would prompt the nurse to collaborate with the health care provider regarding potentially hazardous side effects of this drug?
Urinary retention All the side effects mentioned are the result of the anticholinergic effects of the drug. Only urinary retention and severe constipation warrant immediate medical attention. Dry mouth, blurred vision, and nasal congestion may be less troublesome as therapy continues.
A patient being treated with paroxetine 50 mg po daily reports to the clinic nurse, "I took a few extra tablets earlier today and now I feel bad." Which assessments are most critical? (Select all that apply.)
Vital signs Presence of abdominal pain and diarrhea Hyperactivity or feelings of restlessness The patient is taking the maximum dose of this SSRI and has ingested an additional unknown amount of the drug. Serotonin syndrome must be considered. Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, tachycardia, elevated blood pressure, hyperpyrexia, increased motor activity, and muscle spasms. Serotonin syndrome may progress to a full medical emergency if not treated early. The patient may have urinary retention, but frequency would not be expected.
A patient says to the nurse, "My life doesn't have any happiness in it anymore. I once enjoyed holidays, but now they're just another day." The nurse documents this report as an example of
anhedonia. Anhedonia is a common finding in many types of depression. It refers to feelings of a loss of pleasure in formerly pleasurable activities. Dysthymia is a diagnosis. Euphoria refers to an elated mood. Anergia means "without energy."
Priority interventions for a patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder and feelings of worthlessness should include
careful unobtrusive observation around the clock. Approximately two-thirds of people with depression contemplate suicide. Patients with depressive disorder who exhibit feelings of worthlessness are at higher risk. Regular planned observations of the patient diagnosed with depression may prevent a suicide attempt on the unit.
When counseling patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder, an advanced practice nurse will address the negative thought patterns by using
cognitive-behavioral therapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy attempts to alter the patient's dysfunctional beliefs by focusing on positive outcomes rather than negative attributions. The patient is also taught the connection between thoughts and resultant feelings. Research shows that cognitive-behavioral therapy involves the formation of new connections between nerve cells in the brain and that it is at least as effective as medication. Evidence is not present to support superior outcomes for the other psychotherapeutic modalities mentioned.
A nurse provided medication education for a patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder who began a new prescription for phenelzine (Nardil). Which behavior indicates effective learning? The patient
confers with a pharmacist when selecting over-the-counter medications. Over-the-counter medicines may contain vasopressor agents or tyramine, a substance that must be avoided when the patient takes MAOI antidepressants. Medications for colds, allergies, or congestion or any preparation that contains ephedrine or phenylpropanolamine may precipitate a hypertensive crisis. MAOI antidepressant therapy is unrelated to the need for sodium limitation, support stockings, or leg elevation. MAOIs interact with tyramine-containing foods, not selenium, to produce dangerously high blood pressure.
A patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder began taking escitalopram 5 days ago. The patient now says, "This medicine isn't working." The nurse's best intervention would be to
explain the time lag before antidepressants relieve symptoms. Escitalopram is an SSRI antidepressant. One to three weeks of treatment is usually necessary before symptom relief occurs. This information is important to share with patients.
A disheveled patient in the acute phase of major depressive disorder is withdrawn, has psychomotor retardation, and has not showered for several days. The nurse will
firmly and neutrally assist the patient with showering. When patients are unable to perform self-care activities, staff must assist them rather than ignore the issue. Better grooming increases self-esteem. The patient needs assistance, not simply making an observation. Calmly telling the patient to bathe daily and bringing up the issue at a community meeting are punitive.
A nurse instructs a patient taking a medication that inhibits the action of monoamine oxidase (MAO) to avoid certain foods and drugs because of the risk of
hypertensive crisis. Patients taking MAO-inhibiting drugs must be on a tyramine-free diet to prevent hypertensive crisis. In the presence of MAOIs, tyramine is not destroyed by the liver and in high levels produces intense vasoconstriction, resulting in elevated blood pressure.
A nurse worked with a patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder, severe withdrawal, and psychomotor retardation. After 3 weeks, the patient did not improve. The nurse is most at risk for feelings of
ineffectiveness and frustration. Nurses have expectations for self and patients that are not wholly realistic, especially regarding the patient's progress toward health. Unmet expectations result in feelings of ineffectiveness, anger, or frustration. Nurses rarely become over-involved with patients with depression because of the patient's resistance. Guilt and despair might be seen when the nurse experiences the patient's feelings because of empathy. Interest is possible, but not the most likely result.
A patient is experiencing psychomotor agitation associated with major depressive disorder. Which observation would the nurse associate with this symptom? The patient
paces aimlessly around the room. Psychomotor agitation may be evidenced by constant pacing and wringing of hands. Slowed movements and responses are aspects of psychomotor retardation. Complaints of the unusual skin sensations may represent a delusion or hallucination. Asking the nurse to repeat instructions indicates difficulty with concentration.
A patient diagnosed with depressive disorder begins selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant therapy. The nurse should provide information to the patient and family about
reporting increased suicidal thoughts. Some evidence indicates that suicidal ideation may worsen at the beginning of antidepressant therapy; thus, close monitoring is necessary. Avoiding exposure to bright sunlight and restricting sodium intake are unnecessary. Tyramine restriction is associated with monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) therapy
A patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder began taking a tricyclic antidepressant 1 week ago. Today the patient says, "I don't think I can keep taking these pills. They make me so dizzy, especially when I stand up." The nurse will
teach the patient strategies to manage postural hypotension. Drowsiness, dizziness, and postural hypotension usually subside after the first few weeks of therapy with tricyclic antidepressants. Postural hypotension can be managed by teaching the patient to stay well hydrated and rise slowly. Knowing this information may convince the patient to continue the medication
A patient became depressed after the last of the family's six children moved out of the home 4 months ago. Select the best initial outcome for the nursing diagnosis Situational low self-esteem related to feelings of abandonment. The patient will
verbalize realistic positive characteristics about self by (date). Low self-esteem is reflected by making consistently negative statements about self and self-worth. Replacing negative cognitions with more realistic appraisals of self is an appropriate intermediate outcome. The incorrect options are not as clearly related to the nursing diagnosis. Outcomes are best when framed positively; identifying two personal behaviors that might alienate others is a negative concept.
