A nurse is contributing to the care plan for a newly admitted client suffering from severe depressive disorder.
Which of the following interventions should the nurse incorporate into the plan?
Encourage the client to make decisions.
Spend time with the client.
Provide the client with a selection of activities.
Play a game of chess with the client.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
While encouraging decision-making can be empowering for some individuals with depression, it may not be appropriate for those with severe depressive disorder.
Individuals with severe depression often experience significant anhedonia (loss of interest in activities), fatigue, and difficulty concentrating, which can make decision-making overwhelming and even worsen their symptoms.
It's important to assess the client's individual level of functioning and decision-making capacity before implementing this intervention.
Choice C rationale:
Providing a selection of activities can be helpful, but it's crucial to tailor the activities to the client's interests and energy level.
Offering too many choices or activities that are too demanding can be counterproductive.
It's essential to collaborate with the client to identify activities that are meaningful and achievable, and to gradually increase the level of activity as tolerated.
Choice D rationale:
Playing a game of chess can be a stimulating and enjoyable activity, but it may not be appropriate for all clients with severe depression.
Chess requires cognitive focus and strategic thinking, which can be challenging for individuals experiencing cognitive impairment or fatigue associated with depression.
It's important to assess the client's cognitive abilities and interests before suggesting this activity.
Rationale for the correct answer, B:
Spending time with the client offers several benefits:
Conveys caring and support: It demonstrates to the client that they are not alone and that someone cares about their wellbeing.
Provides opportunities for therapeutic communication: Spending time together allows for meaningful conversations, which can help the client express their feelings, concerns, and experiences.
Facilitates observation and assessment: The nurse can observe the client's mood, behavior, and interactions, which can inform treatment planning and evaluation.
Promotes engagement and participation: Spending time with the client can encourage them to engage in other therapeutic activities and interventions.
Builds rapport and trust: Developing a strong therapeutic relationship is essential for effective treatment of depression.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Psychomotor retardation is a characteristic of depression, not hypomania. In fact, individuals with hypomania typically exhibit psychomotor agitation, which is characterized by increased energy and activity levels.
Psychomotor retardation often manifests as slowed movements, speech, and thought processes. It can significantly impact an individual's ability to perform daily tasks and engage in social interactions.
While psychomotor retardation can occur in various mental health conditions, it is not typically associated with hypomania.
Choice B rationale:
Decreased self-esteem is also a characteristic of depression, not hypomania. Individuals with hypomania typically experience inflated self-esteem and grandiosity.
They may overestimate their abilities, make unrealistic plans, or engage in risky behaviors. This inflated sense of self-worth is often a hallmark feature of hypomania and can contribute to impaired judgment and decision-making.
Choice C rationale:
Euphoria is a hallmark symptom of hypomania. It is characterized by an elevated, expansive, or irritable mood that is persistent and noticeable to others.
Individuals with euphoria often feel excessively happy, cheerful, or optimistic. They may have increased energy, decreased need for sleep, and a heightened sense of well-being.
They may also be more talkative, outgoing, and engage in pleasurable activities more often.
This elevated mood is a core feature of hypomania and is often accompanied by other characteristic symptoms, such as increased activity levels, racing thoughts, and impulsivity.
Choice D rationale:
Hallucinations are not a typical feature of hypomania. They are more commonly associated with psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia.
Hallucinations involve perceiving things that are not real, such as hearing voices or seeing things that are not there.
While hallucinations can occur in some individuals with hypomania, they are not a defining feature of the condition
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Administering an anti-anxiety medication may not be the most appropriate first action. While medication can help to reduce anxiety, it does not address the underlying issue of suicidal ideation. In some cases, medications can even increase the risk of suicide, especially in the first few weeks of treatment.
Instituting mouth checks to assure the medication is swallowed is not a standard practice in this situation. It is more important to focus on ensuring the client's safety and providing emotional support.
Choice B rationale:
Informing the provider about the client's statement is important, but it is not the first action that the nurse should take. The priority is to ensure the client's immediate safety.
The provider can be informed after the client has been stabilized and is no longer at immediate risk of harm.
Choice C rationale:
Assuring that a staff member stays with the client at all times is the most important first step in ensuring the client's safety. This will help to prevent the client from acting on their suicidal thoughts and provide an opportunity for the nurse to assess the client's risk for suicide and intervene as needed.
It also allows the nurse to provide emotional support and reassurance to the client.
Choice D rationale:
Questioning the client about a suicide plan and method is important, but it should not be done until the client's safety has been ensured. Asking about a suicide plan can be triggering for some clients and may increase their risk of suicide.
It is important to approach this topic sensitively and only when the client is feeling safe and supported.
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