A client asks a nurse about the differences between major depressive disorder (MDD) and dysthymia. Which of the following responses by the nurse is accurate?

"MDD is less severe than dysthymia but lasts for at least 2 years.".

"Dysthymia is characterized by alternating episodes of mania and depression.".

"Unlike MDD, dysthymia does not impair social or occupational functioning.".

"Dysthymia is chronic and lasts for at least 2 years, but is less severe than MDD.".

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A rationale:

"MDD is less severe than dysthymia but lasts for at least 2 years." This statement is incorrect. Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is characterized by the presence of a major depressive episode, which can be severe and persistent, lasting for at least two weeks. Dysthymia, on the other hand, is a chronic but milder form of depression that lasts for at least two years, not MDD.

Choice B rationale:

"Dysthymia is characterized by alternating episodes of mania and depression." This statement is incorrect. Dysthymia is a chronic mood disorder characterized by a persistent low mood and other depressive symptoms. It does not involve alternating episodes of mania and depression. Alternating episodes of mania and depression are characteristic of bipolar disorder, not dysthymia.

Choice C rationale:

"Unlike MDD, dysthymia does not impair social or occupational functioning." This statement is incorrect. Both Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and dysthymia can significantly impair social, occupational, and other areas of functioning. In fact, dysthymia's chronic nature often leads to long-term impairment in various aspects of an individual's life, similar to MDD.

Choice D rationale:

"Dysthymia is chronic and lasts for at least 2 years, but is less severe than MDD." This statement is accurate. Dysthymia is a chronic form of depression that persists for at least two years. While it may not exhibit the same level of severity as a major depressive episode, its long-term nature can still have a substantial impact on an individual's quality of life. This distinguishes it from MDD, which can have episodic occurrences.

Nursing Test Bank

Test Bank #1: RN Pharmacology Exams Test Bank #2: RN Medical-Surgical Exams Test Bank #3: RN Fundamentals Exams Test Bank #4: RN Maternal-Newborn Exams Test Bank #5: RN Anatomy and Physiology Exams Test Bank #6: RN Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Test Bank #7: RN Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Test Bank #9: RN Adult Health Test Bank #10: RN Dosage Calculation Test Bank #11: RN Community Health Exams Test Bank #12: RN Psychology Exams Test Bank #13: RN Nursing Care Of Children Test Bank #14: RN Foundations of Nursing Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Exam #1: RN Comprehensive predictor 2023 proctored exam Exam #2: Ati rn vati comprehensive predictor proctored exam Exam #3: Ati Rn Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam 2023 Exam #4: Rn Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Proctored Exam - St. Joseph Exam #5: RN Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam (National U CA San Diego) Exam #6: Ati rn comprehensive predictor 2023 retake proctored exam Exam #7: RN Hesi Exit Proctored Exam Exam #8: Hesi RN Exit proctored exam Exam #9: Hesi rn exit proctored exam Exam #10: Hesi Rn compass exit B proctored exam

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is ["C","D"]

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Increased interest in activities is not consistent with the clinical presentation of MDD. In fact, a hallmark symptom of MDD is anhedonia, which involves a reduced interest or pleasure in most activities.

Choice B rationale:

Weight gain is not typically associated with MDD. In contrast, significant changes in appetite and weight loss are more common symptoms, often accompanied by feelings of worthlessness or guilt related to body image.

Choice C rationale:

Excessive guilt and self-blame are common cognitive and emotional symptoms of MDD. Individuals with MDD tend to have a negative self-perception and may blame themselves for their difficulties.

Choice D rationale:

Insomnia, or difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, is a common sleep disturbance associated with MDD. Sleep problems can exacerbate the symptoms of depression and impact overall well-being.

Choice E rationale:

Elevated mood and increased energy are actually more indicative of conditions like bipolar disorder or manic episodes, where there are distinct periods of abnormally elevated mood, known as mania or hypomania.

A. "Chronic stress can lead to hyperactivity of the HPA axis, resulting in elevated levels of cortisol that can support neuronal growth and survival.". B. "Chronic stress can lead to hypoactivity of the HPA axis, resulting in reduced levels of cortisol that enhance neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity.". C. "Chronic stress can lead to hyperactivity of the HPA axis, resulting in elevated levels of cortisol that can impair neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity.". D. "Chronic stress can lead to hypoactivity of the HPA axis, resulting in reduced levels of cortisol that improve neurotrophic factors and cognitive function.".

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Chronic stress is known to activate the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis, which leads to increased cortisol production. While cortisol is important for various physiological functions, chronic elevation of cortisol due to stress can actually have detrimental effects on the brain. Elevated cortisol levels have been associated with impaired neurogenesis (the formation of new neurons) and synaptic plasticity (the ability of synapses to change and adapt), both of which play crucial roles in maintaining cognitive function and mental health.

Choice B rationale:

This statement is not accurate. Chronic stress typically leads to hyperactivity, not hypoactivity, of the HPA axis, resulting in increased levels of cortisol. The increased cortisol levels can negatively impact neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity, which are key factors in depression and cognitive function.

Choice C rationale:

This is the correct statement. Chronic stress triggers hyperactivity of the HPA axis, causing elevated levels of cortisol. While cortisol is meant to help the body cope with stress in the short term, chronic elevation can lead to adverse effects on the brain. High cortisol levels have been linked to impaired neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity, contributing to the development of depression and cognitive deficits.

Choice D rationale:

This statement is not accurate. Chronic stress tends to lead to hyperactivity of the HPA axis and elevated cortisol levels. Reduced cortisol levels, as suggested in this choice, are not commonly associated with chronic stress and its impact on depression.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

A client asks a nurse about the differences between major depressive disorder (MDD) and dysthymia. Which of the following responses by the nurse is accurate?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

(Select All That Apply): A nurse is assessing a client for major depressive disorder (MDD). Which of the following signs and symptoms are consistent with the clinical presentation of MDD? Select all that apply.

Correct Answer is ["C","D"]

Explanation

A client is curious about the impact of chronic stress on the development of depression. Which statement accurately reflects the relationship between chronic stress and depression according to the text?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

(Select All That Apply): A nurse is educating a client about the psychosocial factors that can influence or be influenced by depression. Which of the following factors are associated with depression and its effects on cognitive processes? Select all that apply.

(Select All That Apply): A nurse is providing care for a client with suspected major depressive disorder (MDD). Which of the following are risk factors for developing MDD? Select all that apply.

A nurse is discussing the various treatment approaches for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) with a client. Which treatment modality involves stimulating the brain electrically or magnetically to induce changes in neuronal activity and neuroplasticity?

A client is experiencing persistent feelings of sadness, guilt, and worthlessness. They also report significant weight loss and insomnia. The nurse suspects the client may have:

(Select All That Apply): A nurse is teaching a group of nursing students about the diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder (MDD) according to DSM-5. Which of the following are part of the diagnostic criteria? Select all that apply.

A nurse is administering a depression assessment tool to a client. The tool evaluates mood, anxiety, insomnia, somatic symptoms, and other aspects of depression. Which assessment tool is the nurse most likely using?

(Select All That Apply): A nurse is discussing the psychosocial factors that can affect or be affected by depression with a client. Which of the following factors are considered psychosocial factors related to depression? Select all that apply.