A nurse is collecting data from a group of clients who have major depressive disorder.
The nurse should identify that which of the following clients is at the greatest risk for suicide?
A client who has psychomotor retardation.
A client who reports an inability to concentrate.
A client who exhibits an increase in energy.
A client who experiences persistent insomnia.
The Correct Answer is C
The correct answer is: c. A client who exhibits an increase in energy.
Choice A reason: A client with psychomotor retardation may experience a visible slowing of physical and emotional reactions. This symptom is associated with major depressive disorder and can manifest as slowed speech, decreased movement, and impaired cognitive function. While psychomotor retardation is a significant symptom of depression, it is not typically identified as the highest risk factor for suicide when compared to other symptoms such as a sudden increase in energy, which can indicate a potential for acting on suicidal thoughts.
Choice B reason: An inability to concentrate is another symptom that can be present in individuals with major depressive disorder. It refers to difficulty in focusing, making decisions, or remembering things. Although this can contribute to the overall severity of depression, it is not directly linked to an increased risk of suicide as strongly as some other symptoms like changes in sleep patterns or behavior.
Choice C reason: An increase in energy in a client with major depressive disorder, especially if it occurs suddenly, can be a warning sign of potential suicidal behavior. This change can indicate that the individual has decided about suicide and may now have the energy to act on these thoughts. It is important for healthcare providers to closely monitor such changes in energy levels, as they can be indicative of an increased risk for suicide.
Choice D reason: Persistent insomnia is a common symptom in individuals with major depressive disorder and can exacerbate other symptoms of depression. Lack of sleep can lead to irritability, cognitive impairment, and can affect overall health. While it is a concerning symptom and can affect a person’s risk for suicide, it is not considered the single highest risk factor when compared to a sudden increase in energy.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Fever. Fever is not an adverse effect of hypoglycemia. Fever is usually associated with an elevated body temperature, often due to infection or other inflammatory conditions, and is not directly related to low blood sugar levels.
Choice B rationale:
Shakiness. Shakiness is a common symptom of hypoglycemia. When blood sugar levels drop too low, the body responds with symptoms like trembling or shakiness, which is caused by the release of stress hormones like epinephrine. These symptoms are the body's way of signaling the need for immediate glucose intake to raise blood sugar levels.
Choice C rationale:
Increased urination. Increased urination is not a typical symptom of hypoglycemia. In fact, frequent urination may be associated with hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels) in conditions like diabetes mellitus.
Choice D rationale:
Thirst. Thirst is not a direct symptom of hypoglycemia. Thirst is more commonly associated with hyperglycemia, where high blood sugar levels lead to increased urine output, causing dehydration and subsequent thirst. In hypoglycemia, the focus is on correcting the low blood sugar levels rather than managing thirst.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
This is the correct answer. Older adults often experience decreased kidney function as a normal part of aging. Medications that are excreted primarily by the kidneys may require dosage adjustments to prevent potential toxicity.
Choice B rationale:
Increased liver function is not a typical physiological change in older adults. Liver function tends to decrease with age, which can affect the metabolism and clearance of certain medications.
Choice C rationale:
Increased metabolism is not a common physiological change in older adults. Metabolic rate tends to decrease with age, which can affect the metabolism of drugs.
Choice D rationale:
While pulmonary function may decrease with age, it is not the primary physiological change to consider when administering medications to older adults. Kidney function is a more critical factor in medication dosing for this population.
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