During assessment, the nurse is most likely to find the attitude ...

[fox]

During assessment, the nurse is most likely to find the attitude of the depressed patient toward his illness to be:
 
  a. It's just a matter of time and I'll be well..
  b. I think the medicine will help in time..
  c. I can fight this, I don't have to be depressed..
  d. It's the way I am, I deserve to be this way..

Question 2

The nurse caring for a college student who attempted suicide by overdose believes brain biochemical dysfunction contributes to suicidal behavior.
 
  The nurse will be better able to plan necessary health teaching if she identifies the probable neurotransmitter alteration of: a. acetylcholine excess.
  b. serotonin deficiency.
  c. dopamine excess.
  d. ?-aminobutyric acid deficiency.

[cadimas]

Answer to Question 1

D
Depressed patients feel worthless and often believe they deserve to have bad things happen. Depressed patients usually feel hopeless and helpless and lack optimism.

Answer to Question 2

B
Research suggests that low levels of serotonin may play a role in the decision to commit suicide. Knowing this, the nurse would understand the rationale for the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and plan appropriate health teaching. The other neurotransmitter alterations have not been implicated in suicidal behavior.