Chapter 14: Depressive Disorders

A client 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. a. The client will verbalize realistic positive characteristics about self by (date). b. The client will agree to take an antidepressant medication regularly by (date). c. The client will initiate social interaction with another person daily by (date). d. The client will identify two personal behaviors that alienate others by (date).

ANS: A 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.

A client 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 client. Which communication technique will be effective? a. Make observations. b. Ask the client direct questions. c. Phrase questions to require yes or no answers. d. Frequently reassure the client to reduce guilt feelings.

ANS: A Making observations about neutral topics draws the client into the reality around him or her but places no burdensome expectations for answers on the client. Acceptance and support are shown by the nurse's presence. Direct questions may make the client feel that the encounter is an interrogation. Open-ended questions are preferable if the client is able to participate in dialogue. Platitudes are never acceptable. They minimize client feelings and can increase feelings of worthlessness.

A client is experiencing psychomotor agitation associated with major depressive disorder. Which observation presented by the client would the nurse associate with this symptom? a. pacing aimlessly around the room. b. asking the nurse to repeat instructions. c. reporting prickly skin sensations. d. demonstrating slowed verbal responses.

ANS: A 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.

Which documentation for a client diagnosed with major depressive disorder indicates the treatment plan was effective? a. Slept 6 hours uninterrupted. Sang with activity group. Anticipates seeing grandchild. b. Slept 10 hours uninterrupted. Attended craft group; stated "project was a failure, just like me." c. Slept 5 hours with brief interruptions. Personal hygiene adequate with assistance. Weight loss of 1 pound. d. Slept 7 hours uninterrupted. Preoccupied with perceived inadequacies. States, "I feel tired all the time."

ANS: A 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 client now recognizes how passivity contributed to the depression. Which intervention should the nurse suggest? a. Social skills training b. Relaxation training classes c. Desensitization techniques d. Use of complementary therapy

ANS: A 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 client'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.

A client was diagnosed with seasonal affective disorder (SAD). During which month would this client's symptoms be most acute? a. January b. April c. June d. September

ANS: A The days are short in January, so the client would have the least exposure to sunlight. SAD is associated with disturbances in circadian rhythm. Days are longer in spring, summer, and fall.

A client diagnosed with major depressive disorder shows vegetative signs of depression. Which nursing actions should be implemented? (Select all that apply.) a. Offer laxatives if needed. b. Monitor food and fluid intake. c. Provide a quiet sleep environment. d. Eliminate all daily caffeine intake. e. Restrict intake of processed foods.

ANS: A, B, C The correct options promote a normal elimination pattern. Although excessive intake of stimulants such as caffeine may make the client feel jittery and anxious, small amounts may provide useful stimulation. No indication exists that processed foods should be restricted.

A nurse caring for a client diagnosed with major depressive disorder reads in the client's medical record, "This client shows vegetative signs of depression." Which nursing diagnoses most clearly relate to this documentation? (Select all that apply.) a. Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements b. Chronic low self-esteem c. Sexual dysfunction d. Self-care deficit e. Powerlessness f. Insomnia

ANS: A, C, D, F 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 client 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.) a. Vital signs b. Urinary frequency c. Psychomotor retardation d. Presence of abdominal pain and diarrhea e. Hyperactivity or feelings of restlessness

ANS: A, D, E The client 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 client may have urinary retention, but frequency would not be expected.

A client 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. What is the priority nursing diagnosis? a. Powerlessness b. Risk for suicide c. Stress overload d. Spiritual distress

ANS: B A client 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.

A client 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 using what medical term? a. dysthymia. b. anhedonia. c. euphoria. d. anergia.

ANS: B 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."

What is the priority intervention for a client diagnosed with major depressive disorder and feelings of worthlessness? a. distracting the client from self-absorption. b. careful unobtrusive observation around the clock. c. allowing the client to spend long periods alone in meditation. d. opportunities to assume a leadership role in the therapeutic milieu.

ANS: B Approximately two-thirds of people with depression contemplate suicide. Clients with depressive disorder who exhibit feelings of worthlessness are at higher risk. Regular planned observations of the client diagnosed with depression may prevent a suicide attempt on the unit.

A client 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 client to reframe this overgeneralization? a. "I really doubt that one person can be blamed for all the bad things that happen." b. "Let's look at one bad thing that happened to see if another explanation exists." c. "You are being extremely hard on yourself. Try to have a positive focus." d. "Are you saying that you don't have any good things happen?"

ANS: B By questioning a faulty assumption, the nurse can help the client 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 client to evaluate the statement.

A nurse instructs a client taking a medication that inhibits the action of monoamine oxidase (MAO) to avoid certain foods and drugs because of the risk of what? a. hypotensive shock. b. hypertensive crisis. c. cardiac dysrhythmia. d. cardiogenic shock.

ANS: B Clients 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 client diagnosed with major depressive disorder says, "No one cares about me anymore. I'm not worth anything." Today the client is wearing a new shirt and has neat, clean hair. Which remark by the nurse supports building a positive self-esteem for this client? a. "You look nice this morning." b. "You're wearing a new shirt." c. "I like the shirt you are wearing." d. "You must be feeling better today."

ANS: B Clients 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

What is the focus of priority nursing interventions for the period immediately after electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) treatment? a. Nutrition and hydration b. Supporting physiological stability c. Reducing disorientation and confusion d. Assisting the client to identify and test negative thoughts

ANS: B During the immediate posttreatment period, the client 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 client in identifying and testing negative thoughts is inappropriate in the immediate posttreatment period because the client may be confused.

During a psychiatric assessment, the nurse observes a client's facial expression is without emotion. The client says, "Life feels so hopeless to me. I've been feeling sad for several months." How will the nurse document the client's affect and mood? a. Affect depressed; mood flat b. Affect flat; mood depressed c. Affect labile; mood euphoric d. Affect and mood are incongruent.

ANS: B 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.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TCM) is scheduled for a client diagnosed with major depressive disorder. Which comment by the client indicates teaching about the procedure was effective? a. "They will put me to sleep during the procedure, so I won't know what is happening." b. "I might be a little dizzy or have a mild headache after each procedure." c. "I will be unable to care for my children for about 2 months." d. "I will avoid eating foods that contain tyramine."

ANS: B TCM treatments take about 30 minutes. Treatments are usually 5 days a week. Clients are awake and alert during the procedure. After the procedure, clients may experience a headache and lightheadedness. No neurological deficits or memory problems have been noted. The client will be able to care for children.

A nurse taught a client about a tyramine-restricted diet. Which menu selection would the indicate the client understood the information? a. Macaroni and cheese, hot dogs, banana bread, caffeinated coffee b. Mashed potatoes, ground beef patty, corn, green beans, apple pie c. Avocado salad, ham, creamed potatoes, asparagus, chocolate cake d. Noodles with cheddar cheese sauce, smoked sausage, lettuce salad, yeast rolls

ANS: B 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.

When counseling clients diagnosed with major depressive disorder, what therapy would an advanced practice nurse address the client's negative thought patterns? a. psychoanalytic b. desensitization c. cognitive-behavioral d. alternative and complementary

ANS: C Cognitive-behavioral therapy attempts to alter the client's dysfunctional beliefs by focusing on positive outcomes rather than negative attributions. The client 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 client diagnosed with major depressive disorder began taking a tricyclic antidepressant 1 week ago. Today the client says, "I don't think I can keep taking these pills. They make me so dizzy, especially when I stand up." The nurse will implement which intervention? a. limit the client's activities to those that can be performed in a sitting position. b. withhold the drug, force oral fluids, and notify the health care provider. c. teach the client strategies to manage postural hypotension. d. update the client's mental status examination.

ANS: C 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 client to stay well hydrated and rise slowly. Knowing this information may convince the client to continue the medication. Activity is an important aspect of the client's treatment plan and should not be limited to activities that can be done in a sitting position. Withholding the drug, forcing oral fluids, and notifying the health care provider are unnecessary actions. Independent nursing action is called for. Updating a mental status examination is unnecessary.

A client diagnosed with major depressive disorder began taking escitalopram 5 days ago. The client now says, "This medicine isn't working." What is the nurse's best intervention? a. discuss with the health care provider the need to increase the dose. b. reassure the client that the medication will be effective soon. c. explain the time lag before antidepressants relieve symptoms. d. critically assess the client for symptoms of improvement.

ANS: C 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 clients

A client diagnosed with major depressive disorder received six electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) sessions and aggressive doses of antidepressant medication. The client owns a small business and was counseled not to make major decisions for a month. What is the correct rationale for this counseling? a. Antidepressant medications alter catecholamine levels, which impairs decision-making abilities. b. Antidepressant medications may cause confusion related to limitation of tyramine in the diet. c. Temporary memory impairments and confusion may occur with ECT. d. The client needs time to readjust to a pressured work schedule.

ANS: C 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 client needing time to reorient to a pressured work schedule is less relevant than the correct rationale.

A client diagnosed with depressive disorder begins selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant therapy. What information should the nurse provide to the client and family? a. Need to restrict sodium intake to 1 gram daily. b. Need to minimize exposure to bright sunlight. c. Importance of reporting increased suicidal thoughts. d. Importance of maintaining a tyramine-free diet.

ANS: C 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 client being treated for depression has taken sertraline daily for a year. The client 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 client to: a. "Go to the nearest emergency department immediately." b. "Do not to be alarmed. Take two aspirin and drink plenty of fluids." c. "Take a dose of your antidepressant now and come to the clinic to see the health care provider." d. "Resume taking your antidepressants for 2 more weeks and then discontinue them again."

ANS: C The client 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 client 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 client is experiencing.

Major depressive disorder resulted after a client's employment was terminated. The client 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? a. Powerlessness b. Defensive coping c. Situational low self-esteem d. Disturbed personal identity

ANS: C The client'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.

The admission note indicates a client diagnosed with major depressive disorder has anergia and anhedonia. For which measures should the nurse plan? (Select all that apply.) a. Channeling excessive energy b. Reducing guilty ruminations c. Instilling a sense of hopefulness d. Assisting with self-care activities e. Accommodating psychomotor retardation

ANS: C, D, E 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 client diagnosed with major depressive disorder is receiving imipramine 200 mg at bedtime. Which assessment finding would prompt the nurse to collaborate with the health care provider regarding potentially hazardous side effects of this drug? a. Dry mouth b. Blurred vision c. Nasal congestion d. Urinary retention

ANS: D 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 client diagnosed with major depressive disorder refuses solid foods. In order to meet nutritional needs, which beverage will the nurse offer to this client? a. Tomato juice b. Orange juice c. Hot tea d. Milk

ANS: D Milk is the only beverage listed that provides protein, fat, and carbohydrates. In addition, milk is fortified with vitamins.

A nurse worked with a client diagnosed with major depressive disorder, severe withdrawal, and psychomotor retardation. After 3 weeks, the client did not improve. The nurse is most at risk for what feelings? a. guilt and despair. b. over-involvement. c. interest and pleasure. d. ineffectiveness and frustration.

ANS: D Nurses may have expectations for self and clients that are not wholly realistic, especially regarding the client's progress toward health. Unmet expectations result in feelings of ineffectiveness, anger, or frustration. Nurses rarely become over-involved with clients with depression because of the client's resistance. Guilt and despair might be seen when the nurse experiences the client's feelings because of empathy. Interest is possible, but not the most likely result.

A nurse provided medication education for a client diagnosed with major depressive disorder who began a new prescription for phenelzine. Which behavior indicates effective learning? The client a. monitors sodium intake and weight daily. b. wears support stockings and elevates the legs when sitting. c. can identify foods with high selenium content that should be avoided. d. confers with a pharmacist when selecting over-the-counter medications.

ANS: D Over-the-counter medicines may contain vasopressor agents or tyramine, a substance that must be avoided when the client 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 client became severely depressed when the last of the family's six children moved out of the home 4 months ago. The client repeatedly says, "No one cares about me. I'm not worth anything." Which response by the nurse would be the most helpful? a. "Things will look brighter soon. Everyone feels down once in a while." b. "Our staff members care about you and want to try to help you get better." c. "It is difficult for others to care about you when you repeatedly say the same negative things." d. "I'd to sit with you for 10 minutes now and 10 minutes after lunch because I value spending time with you."

ANS: D Spending time with the client at intervals throughout the day shows acceptance by the nurse and will help the client 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 client is unable to say positive things at this point.

A disheveled client in the acute phase of major depressive disorder is withdrawn, has psychomotor retardation, and has not showered for several days. What action will the nurse take? a. bring up the issue at the community meeting. b. calmly tell the client, "You must bathe daily." c. make observations about the client's poor personal hygiene. d. firmly and neutrally assist the client with showering.

ANS: D When clients are unable to perform self-care activities, staff must assist them rather than ignore the issue. Better grooming increases self-esteem. The client needs assistance, not simply making an observation. Calmly telling the client to bathe daily and bringing up the issue at a community meeting are punitive.