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.

Answer and Explanation

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).

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Pharmacological interventions involve the use of medications to treat conditions like Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). This does not involve stimulating the brain electrically or magnetically. While antidepressant medications can have an impact on neuronal activity and neuroplasticity, they are not classified as brain stimulation therapies.

Choice B rationale:

This is the correct answer. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a treatment modality that involves passing an electrical current through the brain to induce a controlled seizure. This has been found to be effective in cases of severe depression where other treatments have not worked. Other somatic therapies might include repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), both of which involve modulating brain activity through electrical or magnetic means.

Choice C rationale:

Psychotherapeutic interventions involve talking therapies aimed at addressing psychological and emotional issues. These therapies do not directly involve electrical or magnetic stimulation of the brain. While they can certainly lead to changes in neuronal activity and neuroplasticity, they are not the primary modalities for brain stimulation.

Choice D rationale:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a specific type of psychotherapeutic intervention that focuses on changing thought patterns and behaviors. While CBT can lead to changes in brain activity and neuroplasticity, it does not involve direct brain stimulation through electrical or magnetic means like ECT or rTMS.

A. Depression is solely caused by genetic factors, with no influence from environmental factors. B. Genetic factors play a minor role in depression, with environmental factors being the primary cause. C. Genetic theory suggests that specific genes are responsible for causing depression, independent of environmental factors. D. Genetic factors make some individuals more vulnerable to developing depression, but environmental factors also play a significant role in its expression.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Depression is not solely caused by genetic factors. While genetics do play a role in predisposing individuals to depression, it's a complex interplay between genetic susceptibility and environmental influences that contribute to the development of the disorder.

Choice B rationale:

Genetic factors are not minor players in depression. Research suggests that genetics can significantly influence a person's susceptibility to depression. However, environmental factors, such as trauma, stress, and life experiences, also contribute substantially to the onset and course of depression.

Choice C rationale:

The relationship between genetics and depression is not as straightforward as specific genes causing depression independently of environmental factors. Depression is a multifactorial disorder influenced by a combination of genetic, biological, psychological, and environmental factors.

Choice D rationale:

This is the correct answer. Genetic factors do contribute to an individual's vulnerability to depression. Studies of families, twins, and heritability have demonstrated a genetic component to depression. However, it's crucial to recognize that genetic predisposition interacts with environmental factors. Trauma, loss, chronic stress, and other environmental triggers can precipitate depressive episodes in genetically susceptible individuals.

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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:

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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 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?

A nurse is assessing a client who has been experiencing persistent feelings of sadness, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. The client denies any history of manic episodes. Which of the following conditions should the nurse consider as a possible differential diagnosis for this client?

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