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 ["B","C","D"]

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Genetic predisposition refers to a person's susceptibility to certain conditions based on their genetic makeup. While genetics can play a role in predisposing someone to depression, it is not considered a psychosocial factor. Genetic factors are biological in nature and do not directly involve social and psychological influences.

Choice B rationale:

The role of stress and life events is a significant psychosocial factor related to depression. Stressful life events, such as trauma, loss, or major life changes, can trigger or exacerbate depressive episodes in susceptible individuals. The interaction between these external stressors and an individual's psychological responses is a key aspect of psychosocial factors.

Choice C rationale:

Interpersonal relationships are another important psychosocial factor linked to depression. Poor interpersonal relationships, social isolation, and conflicts with friends or family can contribute to feelings of loneliness and despair, increasing the risk of developing depression.

Choice D rationale:

Cognitive factors, including negative thought patterns and distorted thinking, are considered psychosocial contributors to depression. Cognitive theories of depression emphasize how an individual's thought processes, self-perception, and interpretation of events can influence their emotional state. Dysfunctional thought patterns, such as excessive self-criticism or hopelessness, can contribute to the development and maintenance of depressive symptoms.

Choice E rationale:

Neurotransmitter imbalances are not psychosocial factors. They are more related to the biological underpinnings of depression rather than the social and psychological influences explored in psychosocial factors.

A. Bipolar disorder. B. An adjustment disorder. C. Major depressive disorder (MDD). D. A normal response to stress.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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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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

(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.

Correct Answer is ["B","C","D"]

Explanation

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:

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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?

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 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?

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?

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?

(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 conducting a mental health assessment on a client. The client reports feeling extremely fatigued, having difficulty concentrating, and having thoughts of worthlessness. The nurse recognizes these as: