Author Question: Which consideration(s) will be effective in helping the nurse guide a patient to prevent a return or ... (Read 44 times)

pragya sharda · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

Which consideration(s) will be effective in helping the nurse guide a patient to prevent a return or worsening of depression? Select all that apply.

a. Understanding the part neurotransmitters play in depression
b. Establishing realistic expectations for the patient and nurse
c. Focusing on the patient's feelings rather than the nurse's
d. Exploring negative emotions is likely to reinforce them
e. Focusing on positive aspects of life offsets negative thinking
f. Simple activities with a high likelihood of success are desirable

Question 2

In assessing a client for suicide, which finding presents the greatest risk for the client?

a. If I had AIDS or cancer and died, then my family would be sorry.
b. I just don't see any other way out of this situation.
c. I tried to kill myself 6 months ago, but my friend stopped me. The next time, no one will know.
d. I have thought about planning it, but I haven't done it.

Dunkey · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

A, B, F
Understanding that neurotransmitter dysfunction is a major causative factor in depression helps reduce self-blame and guilt regarding being depressed. Keeping expectations realistic decreases feelings of helplessness, helps maintain self-esteem, and helps the nurse remain therapeutic. Self-assessment of feelings by the nurse is appropriate and necessary for maintaining objectivity and effectiveness. Exploring negative feelings and experiences, while sometimes painful, is often necessary to resolving them. Focusing on them extensively or exclusively would not be helpful, but they should not be ignored. Depressed persons have difficulty focusing on positive aspects of life; pressing them to do so would not be realistic or therapeutic. Simple activities with a likelihood of success provide nontaxing positive experiences that can enhance self-esteem and contribute to hopefulness.

Answer to Question 2

C
In assessing a client for risk of suicide, all of these factors (suicide ideation, present suicide plan, level of despair) indicate a risk. However, a client with previous attempts presents the highest risk.