Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition - Caring for Clients With Mood Disorders Related

Review Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition - Caring for Clients With Mood Disorders related questions and content

The nurse is assessing a client's affect while discussing common issues such as the weather and family. The client appears sad with a slow speech pattern. The nurse considers that this may be a sign of depression but understands that the physician will want to rule out which medical condition first?

  • A. Mania
  • B. Hypothyroidism
  • C. A pituitary deficiency
  • D. A cerebral vascular accident
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: When a nurse identifies that a client is experiencing symptoms of depression, it is essential that other conditions, which may produce similar symptoms, be ruled out. One condition that mimics depression is hypothyroidism. Mania increases and exaggerates actions and speech patterns. Common symptoms of a pituitary deficiency include a deficiency in hormones such as luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and growth hormones. A cerebrovascular accident exhibits physical and mental changes.