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:
Bipolar disorder.
An adjustment disorder.
Major depressive disorder (MDD).
A normal response to stress.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Bipolar disorder involves distinct periods of both elevated mood (mania or hypomania) and depressive episodes. The scenario describes persistent feelings of sadness, guilt, worthlessness, weight loss, and insomnia, which are characteristic symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD) but not necessarily indicative of bipolar disorder.
Choice B rationale:
An adjustment disorder is characterized by emotional or behavioral symptoms that arise within three months of experiencing a stressor (e.g., a major life change or event). The persistent feelings of sadness, guilt, worthlessness, weight loss, and insomnia described in the scenario are beyond the typical time frame for an adjustment disorder.
Choice C rationale:
The correct answer. Major depressive disorder (MDD) is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, changes in weight or appetite, insomnia or hypersomnia, psychomotor agitation or retardation, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt, difficulty concentrating, and recurrent thoughts of death or suicide. The client's symptoms align closely with the diagnostic criteria for MDD.
Choice D rationale:
A normal response to stress usually involves transient feelings of sadness or anxiety in response to a stressor. However, the client's symptoms of persistent feelings of sadness, guilt, worthlessness, weight loss, and insomnia are indicative of a more serious and prolonged condition like major depressive disorder (MDD).
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
A manic episode is characterized by a distinct period of abnormally elevated, expansive, or irritable mood, often accompanied by increased energy, decreased need for sleep, and impulsive behavior. The client's description does not align with a manic episode.
Choice B rationale:
Bipolar disorder involves cycling between periods of mania or hypomania and depression. The client's statement does not provide evidence of mood cycling, which is characteristic of bipolar disorder.
Choice C rationale:
The client's statement directly describes anhedonia, which is a key characteristic of major depressive disorder (MDD). Anhedonia involves the inability to derive pleasure from activities that were previously enjoyable, and it is a central diagnostic criterion for MDD.
Choice D rationale:
Adjustment disorder is a condition characterized by emotional or behavioral symptoms that develop in response to a specific stressor. The client's statement is more indicative of a pervasive and ongoing lack of enjoyment, which aligns with the concept of anhedonia in MDD rather than the time-limited nature of adjustment disorder.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Positive life events, although beneficial, are not typically considered contributors to the development of depression. Positive events generally have a positive impact on mental health and may even serve as protective factors against depression.
Choice B rationale:
High income is not commonly recognized as a direct contributor to depression. In fact, higher income can provide access to better resources and opportunities that might contribute to better mental health outcomes.
Choice C rationale:
Lack of social support is a well-established factor contributing to the development of depression. Social support plays a crucial role in buffering against stress and providing individuals with a sense of belonging and emotional connection. A lack of strong social ties can lead to feelings of isolation and increase vulnerability to depression.
Choice D rationale:
Optimistic thinking is typically considered a protective factor against depression rather than a contributor to its development. Optimistic thinking involves a positive outlook on life and the expectation of positive outcomes, which can act as a resilience factor against depressive symptoms.
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