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: Insert a nasogastric tube

This choice is incorrect. Inserting a nasogastric tube is not the highest priority intervention for a client who has just received naloxone. While it may be necessary in some cases for other reasons, the immediate concern after naloxone administration is to ensure the client’s airway is open and they are breathing adequately. Naloxone reverses opioid effects, which can cause respiratory depression, so monitoring the airway and vital signs is crucial.

Choice B Reason: Monitor airway and vital signs

This choice is correct. The highest priority after administering naloxone is to monitor the client’s airway and vital signs. Naloxone can rapidly reverse opioid-induced respiratory depression, but its effects may wear off before the opioids are completely metabolized, leading to a risk of re-sedation and respiratory depression. Continuous monitoring ensures that any changes in the client’s condition are detected and managed promptly.

Choice C Reason: Insert an indwelling urinary catheter or monitor output

This choice is incorrect. While monitoring urine output can be important in assessing overall kidney function and fluid balance, it is not the highest priority immediately after naloxone administration. The primary concern is the client’s respiratory status and ensuring they maintain an open airway and adequate ventilation.

Choice D Reason: Anticipate and treat hyperpyrexia with cooling measures

This choice is incorrect. Hyperpyrexia (extremely high fever) is not a common immediate concern following naloxone administration. The primary focus should be on the client’s respiratory status and vital signs. Treating hyperpyrexia would be important if it were present, but it is not typically associated with naloxone administration.

Choice A Reason: Is not responding to other clients on the unit.

While a lack of response to other clients can indicate social withdrawal and isolation, which are common in depressive episodes, it does not necessarily indicate an immediate risk to the client’s safety. This behavior is concerning but does not require the highest priority intervention compared to other behaviors that may indicate a risk of self-harm or suicidal ideation.

Choice B Reason: Is refusing to take their prescribed mood stabilizer.

Refusing medication is a significant concern as it can lead to worsening of symptoms and destabilization of the client’s condition. However, this behavior does not indicate an immediate risk to the client’s safety. The nurse should address this issue promptly, but it is not the highest priority compared to behaviors that suggest suicidal ideation.

Choice C Reason: Angrily argues with another client stating, “God is dead.”

This behavior indicates agitation and potential conflict with others, which can be problematic in a clinical setting. However, it does not directly suggest an immediate risk to the client’s safety. The nurse should intervene to de-escalate the situation and provide support, but this is not the highest priority compared to signs of suicidal ideation.

Choice D Reason: States, “There is no future when you feel so depressed.”

This statement is highly concerning as it indicates feelings of hopelessness and potential suicidal ideation. Expressions of hopelessness and statements about the future being bleak are significant risk factors for suicide. The nurse should prioritize this behavior for immediate intervention to assess the client’s risk of self-harm and provide appropriate support and safety measures.