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When counseling patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder, how will an advanced practice nurse likely address the negative thought patterns?
- A. Psychoanalytic therapy
- B. Desensitization therapy
- C. Cognitive behavioral therapy
- D. Alternative and complementary therapies
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: 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 among nerve cells in the brain and that it is at least as effective as medication. Evidence does not support superior outcomes for the other psychotherapeutic modalities mentioned.
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A patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder was hospitalized for 8 days. Treatment included six electroconvulsive therapy sessions and aggressive dose adjustments of antidepressant medications. The patient owns a small business and was counseled not to make major decisions for a month. Select the correct rationale for this counseling.
- A. Temporary memory impairments and confusion can be associated with electroconvulsive therapy.
- B. Antidepressant medications alter catecholamine levels, which impair decision-making abilities.
- C. Antidepressant medications may cause confusion related to a limitation of tyramine in the diet.
- D. The patient needs time to reorient him or herself to a pressured work schedule.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Recent memory impairment or confusion or both are often present during and for a short time after electroconvulsive therapy. An inappropriate business decision might be made because of forgotten and important details. The incorrect responses contain rationales that are untrue. The patient needing time to reorient himself or herself to a pressured work schedule is less relevant than the correct rationale.
A patient being treated with paroxetine 50 mg/day orally for major depressive disorder reports to the clinic nurse, 'I took a few extra tablets earlier in the day and now I feel bad.' Which aspects of the nursing assessment are most critical?
- A. Vital signs
- B. Urinary frequency
- C. Increased suicidal ideation
- D. Presence of abdominal pain and diarrhea
- E. Hyperactivity or feelings of restlessness
Correct Answer: A,D,E
Rationale: The patient is taking the maximum dose of this SSRI and has ingested an additional unknown amount of the drug. Central serotonin syndrome must be considered. Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, tachycardia, elevated blood pressure, hyperpyrexia, increased motor activity, and muscle spasms. Central serotonin syndrome may progress to a full medical emergency if not treated early. Although assessing for suicidal ideation is never inappropriate, in this situation physiological symptoms should be the initial focus. The patient may have urinary retention, but frequency would not be expected.
A student 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 the vegetative signs?
- A. Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements
- B. Chronic low self-esteem
- C. Sexual dysfunction
- D. Self-care deficit
- E. Powerlessness
- F. Insomnia
Correct Answer: A,C,D,F
Rationale: Vegetative signs of depression are alterations in the 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 to diagnoses associated with feelings about self.
A patient became depressed after the last of six children moved out of the home 4 months ago. The patient has been self-neglectful, slept poorly, lost weight, and repeatedly says, 'No one cares about me anymore. I'm not worth anything.' Select an appropriate initial outcome.
- A. The patient will verbalize realistic positive characteristics about self by (date).
- B. The patient will consent to take antidepressant medication regularly by (date).
- C. The patient will initiate social interaction with another person daily by (date).
- D. The patient will identify two personal behaviors that alienate others by (date).
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: 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 nurse wants to reinforce positive self-esteem for a patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder. Today, the patient is wearing a new shirt and has neat, clean hair. Which remark is most appropriate?
- A. You look nice this morning.
- B. You are wearing a new shirt.
- C. I like the shirt you're wearing.
- D. You must be feeling better today.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: 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 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.