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A patient states, "I feel so sad all of the time. I can't feel happy even doing things I used to enjoy doing.' He also says that he is tired, sleeps poorly, and has no energy. To differentiate between dysthymic disorder and a major depressive disorder, which of the following questions should the nurse ask him?

  • A. Has there been any change in your weight?
  • B. Are you having any thoughts of suicide?
  • C. How long have you been feeling this way?
  • D. Are you having feelings of worthlessness?
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: The correct answer is C: "How long have you been feeling this way?" This question is essential to differentiate between dysthymic disorder and major depressive disorder. In dysthymic disorder, symptoms persist for at least 2 years, whereas in major depressive disorder, symptoms typically last for at least 2 weeks. By asking how long the patient has been feeling this way, the nurse can determine the duration of the symptoms and make a more accurate diagnosis.

Summary of other choices:
A: "Has there been any change in your weight?" This question is more relevant to assessing changes in appetite, which can be a symptom of depression, but it does not differentiate between dysthymic and major depressive disorders.
B: "Are you having any thoughts of suicide?" While important to assess for safety, this question does not help differentiate between the two disorders.
D: "Are you having feelings of worthlessness?" This question is relevant to assessing symptoms of depression but does not