A nurse is caring for a client who has major depressive disorder and states that he has given away his personal belongings. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
"Why did you feel like giving away your belongings?"
"You should find a support group to attend."
"Everyone feels a little down sometimes."
"Can you tell me how you have been feeling lately?"
The Correct Answer is D
A. "Why did you feel like giving away your belongings?"
This response is empathetic and invites the client to explore their feelings and motivations. It shows understanding and can help the nurse comprehend the client's emotional state better.
B. "You should find a support group to attend."
This response suggests a proactive step to seek support, which can be helpful. However, it might be premature in this context as the nurse hasn't fully assessed the client's situation yet. It's important to understand the client's feelings and circumstances before recommending specific interventions.
C. "Everyone feels a little down sometimes."
This response minimizes the client's feelings and can be invalidating. It doesn't acknowledge the seriousness of the client's statement, which might discourage them from opening up further.
D. "Can you tell me how you have been feeling lately?"
As previously explained, this response is empathetic and open-ended, encouraging the client to share their emotions and thoughts. It's a good starting point for a therapeutic conversation, allowing the nurse to assess the client's current mental state.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Rambling speech
Rambling speech is not a typical finding associated with depression. It may indicate other conditions or issues.
B. Insomnia
Insomnia, or difficulty sleeping, is a common symptom of depression. Many individuals with depression experience trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or both.
C. Rapid mood swings
Rapid mood swings are not typically associated with depression. Depression often involves persistent low mood rather than rapid fluctuations.
D. Sundowning
Sundowning refers to a state of confusion and restlessness that occurs in the late afternoon and evening, often seen in individuals with dementia. While it can be related to mood disturbances, it's not specific to depression.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Reaction Formation:
Reaction formation is a defense mechanism where an individual expresses feelings or behaviors that are the opposite of their true feelings or impulses. For example, someone who harbors unconscious aggressive feelings might display exaggerated friendliness and kindness. In the given scenario, the behavior of the newly licensed nurse is not contradictory to their true feelings; they are imitating the charge nurse willingly.
B. Suppression:
Suppression is a conscious effort to push down or hide certain thoughts or feelings. Unlike repression (which is unconscious), suppression involves a deliberate choice not to think about or dwell on certain emotions or thoughts. In the scenario, the behavior of the newly licensed nurse is not an example of suppression because they are not consciously trying to hide their actions.
C. Identification:
Identification is a defense mechanism where an individual unconsciously models their behavior, feelings, or attitudes after those of someone else, especially someone they perceive as powerful or significant. In this scenario, the newly licensed nurse is imitating the behaviors of the charge nurse, which is an example of identification.
D. Compensation:
Compensation is a defense mechanism where an individual consciously or unconsciously covers up weaknesses, frustrations, or feelings of inadequacy by emphasizing strengths or seeking to excel in other areas. It involves making up for a perceived lack by putting extra effort into another aspect of life. The scenario does not describe the newly licensed nurse compensating for any perceived weakness; they are simply imitating the charge nurse's behavior.
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