During intake assessment, the nurse is most likely to hear a client with major depressive disorder say which of the following statements about depression? (SELECT ALL THAT APPLY)

Choice A Reason: We can call Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and go to a closed meeting to see what happens inside.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a support group specifically for individuals struggling with alcohol use disorder. Closed meetings are typically reserved for those who identify as alcoholics and are seeking help for their own drinking problems. Family members and friends are generally not allowed to attend these meetings unless they are open meetings. Therefore, this choice does not reflect an effective understanding of the appropriate support resources available for family members.

Choice B Reason: We should wait until the client is ready to stop drinking before the family goes to support meetings.

Waiting until the client is ready to stop drinking before seeking support is not advisable. Family members can benefit from attending support groups like Al-Anon regardless of the client’s readiness to change. These groups provide emotional support, education, and coping strategies for dealing with the challenges of living with someone who has an alcohol use disorder. This choice suggests a misunderstanding of the importance of seeking support for oneself, independent of the client’s actions.

Choice C Reason: The family can go to Al-Anon meetings for support.

Al-Anon is a support group specifically designed for family members and friends of individuals with alcohol use disorder. These meetings provide a safe space for loved ones to share their experiences, gain support, and learn effective coping strategies. Attending Al-Anon meetings can help family members understand the nature of addiction, reduce feelings of isolation, and improve their own well-being. This choice reflects an accurate understanding of the appropriate support resources available for families.

Choice D Reason: Support groups are an option for the client, not the family.

This statement is incorrect because support groups like Al-Anon are specifically designed for family members and friends of individuals with alcohol use disorder. These groups recognize that addiction affects not only the individual but also their loved ones. By participating in support groups, family members can gain valuable insights, emotional support, and practical advice for coping with the challenges associated with a loved one’s addiction. This choice reflects a misunderstanding of the role and availability of support groups for families.

a. Several visits of the same child with varied injuries.

Explanation of Choices

Choice A Reason: Several Visits of the Same Child with Varied Injuries

This scenario raises the highest suspicion of child abuse. Multiple visits with different injuries can indicate a pattern of harm rather than isolated accidents. Healthcare providers are trained to recognize that varied injuries over time, especially in different stages of healing, can be a red flag for abuse. This pattern suggests that the child may be experiencing ongoing harm rather than a single incident. The nurse should conduct a thorough assessment and consider involving child protective services to ensure the child’s safety.

Choice B Reason: A 5-Year-Old Child Who Broke His Arm and Clings to Mother Crying

While a broken arm in a child can be concerning, it is not uncommon for children to sustain such injuries during play or accidents. The child’s emotional response of clinging to the mother and crying is also typical for a young child in pain and distress. This scenario alone does not strongly indicate abuse without additional context or evidence. However, the nurse should still assess the situation carefully and consider any other signs or patterns that might suggest abuse.

Choice C Reason: A 1-Year-Old Child Who Has a Dislocated Shoulder from Arm Swinging

A dislocated shoulder in a 1-year-old is unusual and can be concerning. While it could result from an accident, such as arm swinging, it is also a potential sign of abuse, especially if the explanation does not match the injury. The nurse should investigate further, considering the child’s medical history and any other signs of potential abuse. However, this scenario alone does not provide as strong an indication of abuse as multiple varied injuries.

Choice D Reason: Repeated Visits of the Same Child with Middle Ear Infections

Repeated visits for middle ear infections are common in young children and are typically related to medical issues rather than abuse. Middle ear infections can occur frequently in children due to their anatomy and immune system development. This scenario does not raise immediate concerns about abuse unless there are other signs or patterns of harm. The nurse should focus on providing appropriate medical care and monitoring the child’s health.