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.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The correct answer is choicea. MDD is more prevalent in older adults.

Choice A rationale:

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is indeed more prevalent in older adults.This demographic often faces unique stressors such as chronic illness, loss of loved ones, and social isolation, which can contribute to higher rates of depression.

Choice B rationale:

MDD is not primarily caused by a single factor.It is a complex disorder with multiple contributing factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, environmental influences, and psychological factors.

Choice C rationale:

Anhedonia refers to the loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyable, not excessive sleeping.Excessive sleeping is known as hypersomnia.

Choice D rationale:

MDD cannot be diagnosed if only one symptom is present.The diagnosis requires the presence of multiple symptoms, including depressed mood or anhedonia, for at least two weeks.

A. Patient Health . Questionnaire (PHQ-9). B. Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D). C. Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). D. Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE).

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Patient Health naire (PHQ-9). The PHQ-9 is a commonly used depression assessment tool that evaluates a patient's mood and depressive symptoms. It consists of nine questions that correspond to the nine criteria for diagnosing major depressive disorder (MDD) according to the DSM-5. The tool assesses various aspects of depression, such as mood, sleep disturbances, appetite changes, and more. It's a self-report questionnaire that helps clinicians assess the severity of a patient's depression and track their progress over time.

Choice B rationale:

Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D). The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) is another widely used tool for assessing the severity of depressive symptoms in patients with mood disorders. It contains multiple items that evaluate various aspects of depression, such as mood, feelings of guilt, suicidal ideation, and more. Unlike the PHQ-9, the HAM-D is typically administered by a trained clinician and is more extensive, making it suitable for clinical research and diagnosis but potentially less practical for routine screening.

Choice C rationale:

Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) is a self-report questionnaire designed to assess the presence and severity of depressive symptoms in individuals. It consists of 21 multiple-choice questions that cover various emotional, cognitive, and physical symptoms of depression. The BDI is useful for assessing the intensity of depression and changes in symptom severity over time. While a valuable tool, it's not the assessment tool most likely used in this scenario.

Choice D rationale:

Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) is not an appropriate tool for assessing depression. Instead, it's a brief cognitive screening test used to assess cognitive impairment and cognitive decline in individuals, especially in older adults. It evaluates aspects such as orientation, memory, attention, language, and visuospatial skills. It is not designed to assess mood, anxiety, or other emotional aspects related to depression.

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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?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is providing education to a group of nursing students about major depressive disorder (MDD). Which of the following statements accurately describes a characteristic of MDD?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

(Select All That Apply): A nurse is educating a group of clients about the treatment approaches for MDD. Which of the following modalities are considered main treatment options for MDD according to the text? Select all that apply.

A client is sharing their experiences with a nurse. The client states, "I just can't seem to enjoy anything anymore. Even activities I used to love don't bring me pleasure." This statement by the client is indicative of:

(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.

A client is wondering about the genetic factors that contribute to depression. What is the relationship between genetic factors and depression according to the text?

A nurse is explaining the role of neurotransmitters in the pathophysiology of MDD to a group of nursing students. Which neurotransmitters are mentioned in the text as being involved in regulating mood, motivation, reward, cognition, and stress response?

(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.

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:

A client is concerned about the potential side effects of antidepressant medications. Which of the following side effects is commonly associated with antidepressant use?