A client is prescribed a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. The nurse would identify that which of the following will be prescribed?

Choice A reason: Predicting individual recovery is not epidemiology’s role. Recovery from disorders like depression depends on neurobiological factors (e.g., serotonin reuptake) and treatment adherence, not population-level trends. Epidemiology focuses on group patterns, not individual outcomes, making this option scientifically inaccurate for understanding mental disorder impact.

Choice B reason: Epidemiology does not provide theoretical explanations for disorder causes. Etiologies of mental illnesses, such as genetic mutations or dopamine imbalances in schizophrenia, are studied through neurobiology and genetics. Epidemiology quantifies disease prevalence and risk factors, not underlying mechanisms, making this option misaligned with its scientific purpose.

Choice C reason: Explaining neurophysiological causes is outside epidemiology’s scope. Neurophysiology, like altered GABA activity in anxiety, is studied via neuroimaging or biochemical assays. Epidemiology identifies disease patterns and risk factors across populations, not causal mechanisms, rendering this option incorrect for describing its role in mental health.

Choice D reason: Epidemiology studies disease distribution and determinants, such as prevalence of depression or risk factors like socioeconomic stress, which influence neurotransmitter imbalances (e.g., serotonin). By analyzing population data, it informs public health strategies, identifies at-risk groups, and guides interventions, making it critical for understanding mental disorder impact scientifically.

Choice A reason: Projection involves attributing one’s issues to others, not ignoring symptoms. The patient’s dismissal of serious symptoms, like weight loss, suggests denial, not projection. These symptoms may indicate physiological issues, not psychological attribution, making projection incorrect for this defense mechanism.

Choice B reason: Regression involves reverting to childish behaviors, not ignoring symptoms. The patient’s claim of a minor cold despite weight loss and fatigue reflects denial, not regression. These symptoms suggest a serious condition, not immature coping, making this an incorrect defense mechanism.

Choice C reason: Denial involves refusing to acknowledge serious symptoms, like weight loss and fatigue, which may indicate a medical condition. By attributing them to a minor cold, the patient avoids reality, a common defense in stress-related cortisol spikes, making this the correct mechanism.

Choice D reason: Displacement redirects emotions to another target, not ignoring symptoms. The patient’s minimization of serious health issues, like fatigue, reflects denial, not redirected feelings. This mechanism is unrelated to dismissing physical symptoms, making it incorrect for the described behavior.