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What is a priority nursing intervention for a patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder?
- A. Distracting the patient from self-absorption
- B. Carefully and inconspicuously observing the patient around the clock
- C. Allowing the patient to spend long periods alone in self-reflection
- D. Offering opportunities for the patient to assume a leadership role in the therapeutic milieu
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Approximately two-thirds of people with depression contemplate suicide. Patients with depression who exhibit feelings of worthlessness are at higher risk. Regularly planned observations of the patient with depression may prevent a suicide attempt on the unit.
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A patient became severely depressed when the last of 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?
- A. Things will look brighter soon. Everyone feels down once in a while.
- B. The staff here cares about you and wants to try to help you get better.
- C. It is difficult for others to care about you when you repeatedly say negative things about yourself.
- D. I'll sit with you for 10 minutes now and return for 10 minutes at lunchtime and again at 2:30 this afternoon.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Spending time with the patient at intervals throughout the day shows acceptance by the nurse and helps the patient establish a relationship with the nurse. The therapeutic technique is called 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 the building of trust. The incorrect responses would be difficult for a person with profound depression to believe, provide trite reassurance, and are counterproductive. The patient is unable to say positive things at this point.
A patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder will begin electroconvulsive therapy tomorrow. Which interventions are routinely implemented before the treatment?
- A. Administer pretreatment medication 30 to 45 minutes before treatment.
- B. Withhold food and fluids for a minimum of 6 hours before treatment.
- C. Remove dentures, glasses, contact lenses, and hearing aids.
- D. Restrain the patient in bed with padded limb restraints.
- E. Assist the patient to prepare an advance directive.
Correct Answer: A,B,C
Rationale: The correct interventions reflect routine electroconvulsive therapy preparation, which is similar to preoperative preparation: sedation and anticholinergic medication before anesthesia, maintaining nothing-by-mouth status to prevent aspiration during and after treatment, airway maintenance, and general safety by removing prosthetic devices. Restraint is not part of the pretreatment protocol. An advance directive is prepared independent of this treatment.
Which documentation indicates the treatment plan of a patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder 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.'
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Sleeping 6 hours, participating in a group activity, and anticipating an event are all positive happenings. All the other options show at least one negative finding.
What is the focus of priority nursing care for the period immediately after a patient has an electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) treatment?
- A. Supporting physiological stability
- B. Reducing disorientation and confusion
- C. Monitoring pupillary responses
- D. Assisting the patient to plan for the future
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: During the immediate post-treatment period, the patient is recovering from general anesthesia, hence the need to establish and support physiological stability. Monitoring pupillary responses is not a priority. Reducing disorientation and confusion is an acceptable intervention but not the priority. Assisting the patient to plan for the future is inappropriate in the immediate post-treatment period because the patient may be confused.
A patient was started on escitalopram 5 days ago and now says, 'This medicine isn't working.' What is the nurse's best intervention?
- A. Discussing with the health care provider the need to change medications
- B. Reassuring the patient that the medication will be effective soon
- C. Explaining the time lag before antidepressants relieve symptoms
- D. Critically assessing the patient for symptom relief
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Escitalopram is an SSRI antidepressant. Between 1 and 3 weeks of treatment are usually necessary before a relief of symptoms occurs. This information is important to share with patients.