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?

Bipolar disorder.

Dysthymia.

Substance-induced mood disorder.

Adjustment disorder.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A rationale:

Bipolar disorder involves both depressive episodes and manic episodes. The client in question denies any history of manic episodes, making bipolar disorder less likely as a diagnosis. Manic episodes are characterized by elevated mood, increased energy, impulsivity, and risky behavior.

Choice B rationale:

Dysthymia, also known as persistent depressive disorder, involves chronic feelings of sadness and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities. It is a milder form of depression that persists for at least two years in adults. The client's persistent feelings of sadness align more closely with the criteria for dysthymia.

Choice C rationale:

Substance-induced mood disorder occurs when the client's mood disturbances are a direct result of substance use or withdrawal. Since there is no mention of substance use or withdrawal in the client's history, this choice is less relevant to the scenario.

Choice D rationale:

Adjustment disorder is characterized by the development of emotional or behavioral symptoms in response to an identifiable stressor, and these symptoms typically resolve within six months of the stressor's resolution. In the scenario, there is no indication of a recent stressor, and the client's symptoms seem to be chronic rather than time-limited, making adjustment disorder less likely.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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.

A. Genetic theory. B. Neuroendocrine theory. C. Neurotransmitter theory. D. Environmental theory.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Genetic theory suggests that a person's genetic makeup can predispose them to develop depression, but it does not specifically address the role of neurotransmitters in depression. While genetics can contribute to the risk of major depressive disorder (MDD), this choice doesn't focus on the neurotransmitter imbalances.

Choice B rationale:

Neuroendocrine theory pertains to the role of hormones in depression, particularly abnormalities in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. While hormones play a role in mood regulation, this theory does not primarily revolve around neurotransmitter imbalances.

Choice C rationale:

Neurotransmitter theory proposes that an imbalance of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, contributes to the development of major depressive disorder. This theory aligns with the idea that these neurotransmitters are responsible for regulating mood, motivation, reward, cognition, and stress response.

Choice D rationale:

Environmental theory suggests that external factors, such as life events and stressors, contribute to the development of depression. While environment can indeed influence depression, it does not specifically address the neurotransmitter imbalances that are central to this question.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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

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 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.

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?

(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 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 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.