A patient diagnosed with major depression says, No one cares ...

[karen]

A patient diagnosed with major depression says, No one cares about me anymore. I'm not worth anything. Today the patient is wearing a new shirt and has neat, clean hair.
 
  Which remark by the nurse supports building a positive self-esteem for this patient?
 
  a. You look nice this morning.
  b. You're wearing a new shirt.
  c. I like the shirt you are wearing.
  d. You must be feeling better today.

Question 2

A patient became depressed after the last of the family's six children moved out of the home 4 months ago. Select the best initial outcome for the nursing diagnosis Situational low self-esteem related to feelings of abandonment. The patient will:
 
  a. verbalize realistic positive characteristics about self by (date).
  b. agree to take an antidepressant medication regularly by (date).
  c. initiate social interaction with another person daily by (date).
  d. identify two personal behaviors that alienate others by (date).

[sierrahalpin]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Patients with depression usually see the negative side of things. The meaning of compliments may be altered to I didn't look nice yesterday or They didn't like my other shirt. Neutral comments such as making an observation avoid negative interpretations. Saying, You look nice or I like your shirt gives approval (non-therapeutic techniques). Saying You must be feeling better today is an assumption, which is non-therapeutic.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Low self-esteem is reflected by making consistently negative statements about self and self-worth. Replacing negative cognitions with more realistic appraisals of self is an appropriate intermediate outcome. The incorrect options are not as clearly related to the nursing diagnosis. Outcomes are best when framed positively; identifying two personal behaviors that might alienate others is a negative concept.

[karen]

Excellent

[tkempin]

Wow, this really help