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?

MDD is more prevalent in older adults.

MDD is primarily caused by a single factor, such as genetics.

Anhedonia is a term that describes excessive sleeping.

MDD can be diagnosed if only one symptom is present.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

The correct answer is choice a. MDD is more prevalent in older adults.

Choice A rationale:

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is indeed more prevalent in older adults. This demographic often faces unique stressors such as chronic illness, loss of loved ones, and social isolation, which can contribute to higher rates of depression.

Choice B rationale:

MDD is not primarily caused by a single factor. It is a complex disorder with multiple contributing factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, environmental influences, and psychological factors.

Choice C rationale:

Anhedonia refers to the loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyable, not excessive sleeping. Excessive sleeping is known as hypersomnia.

Choice D rationale:

MDD cannot be diagnosed if only one symptom is present. The diagnosis requires the presence of multiple symptoms, including depressed mood or anhedonia, for at least two weeks.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Acetylcholine and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) are not the primary neurotransmitters involved in regulating mood, motivation, reward, cognition, and stress response. Acetylcholine plays a role in memory and muscle control, while GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps regulate anxiety and sleep. These neurotransmitters are not as closely associated with the functions mentioned in the question.

Choice B rationale:

Glutamate is a major excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, and epinephrine (also known as adrenaline) is a hormone that prepares the body for the fight-or-flight response. While both glutamate and epinephrine play important roles in various physiological responses, they are not primarily responsible for regulating mood, motivation, reward, cognition, and stress response as mentioned in the question.

Choice C rationale:

Serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine are all key neurotransmitters involved in the regulation of mood, motivation, reward, cognition, and stress response. These neurotransmitters have been extensively studied in the context of mood disorders like Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Serotonin is often associated with feelings of well-being and happiness, dopamine is linked to pleasure and reward pathways, and norepinephrine is involved in the body's stress response. Imbalances in these neurotransmitters have been implicated in the development of mood disorders.

Choice D rationale:

Endorphins and oxytocin are important neurotransmitters, but they are not as directly related to the regulation of mood, motivation, reward, cognition, and stress response as the neurotransmitters mentioned in choice C. Endorphins are known for their role in pain modulation and feelings of pleasure, while oxytocin is often referred to as the "bonding hormone" and is associated with social connections and childbirth.

A. Signs of normal bereavement. B. Symptoms of bipolar disorder. C. Indicators of substance-induced mood disorder. D. Criteria for diagnosing MDD according to DSM-5.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Signs of normal bereavement. Bereavement refers to the period of grief and mourning after the loss of a loved one. While fatigue and feelings of worthlessness can be experienced during bereavement, difficulty concentrating is not a typical sign. Additionally, bereavement-related symptoms typically improve over time as the individual processes their loss. The combination of extreme fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and thoughts of worthlessness suggests a more severe and persistent condition than normal bereavement.

Choice B rationale:

Symptoms of bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is characterized by alternating episodes of depression and mania (or hypomania). The client's symptoms of extreme fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and thoughts of worthlessness are primarily indicative of a depressive episode, which is only one aspect of bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder requires the presence of manic or hypomanic episodes, which are not mentioned in the client's presentation.

Choice C rationale:

Indicators of substance-induced mood disorder. Substance-induced mood disorder occurs as a result of substance use or withdrawal and involves changes in mood and affect. While substances can lead to symptoms similar to depression, the combination of symptoms presented by the client (fatigue, difficulty concentrating, thoughts of worthlessness) is more indicative of a primary mood disorder rather than one directly caused by substance use.

Choice D rationale:

Criteria for diagnosing MDD according to DSM-5. The client's symptoms of extreme fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and thoughts of worthlessness align with the criteria for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). These criteria include the presence of specific symptoms for a specified duration, causing significant impairment in functioning. The symptoms should not be better explained by other conditions or substances. In this case, the client's presentation closely matches the criteria for diagnosing MDD.

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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?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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:

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

(Select All That Apply): A nurse is providing care for a client with suspected major depressive disorder (MDD). Which of the following are risk factors for developing MDD? Select all that apply.

(Select All That Apply): A nurse is educating a client about the psychosocial factors that can influence or be influenced by depression. Which of the following factors are associated with depression and its effects on cognitive processes? Select all that apply.

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 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?

(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 sharing their experiences with a nurse. The client states, "I just can't seem to enjoy anything anymore. Even activities I used to love don't bring me pleasure." This statement by the client is indicative of: