Author Question: The nurse is caring for an older client with depression who has begun having trouble sleeping. In ... (Read 51 times)

futuristic · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

The nurse is caring for an older client with depression who has begun having trouble sleeping.

In addition to antidepressants, a safe, nonpharmacologic and potentially effective adjunctive treatment for insomnia in persons with a diagnosis of depression is: 1. Medical meditation.
2. Watching TV.
3. Progressive relaxation.
4. Alternate-nostril breathing.

Question 2

The nurse is teaching staff at a long-term health care facility about depression in older adults. Which comment by staff indicates to the nurse the need for further teaching?

1. Inability to organize and abstract information may indicate depression in older adults.
2. Depressed older adults may exhibit an excessive preoccupation with chronic constipation or pain.
3. Sadness or feeling blue are normal aspects of the aging process and are not a cause for concern.
4. Lack of interest or apathy may be a sign of depression in older adults.

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

Answer to Question 1

3
Rationale: The technique of progressive relaxation is based on the premise that muscle tension is the body's physiologic response to anxiety-provoking thoughts. Deep muscle relaxation, by contrast, decreases physiologic tension and blocks anxiety. Clients with insomnia and depression are among those who can achieve positive results using this technique. Alternate-nostril breathing is best for sinus headaches and is not intended for deep relaxation. Watching TV is not a relaxation technique. Medical meditation takes focus and although it may induce the relaxation response, for those who need to sleep it may stimulate alertness rather than encourage sleep.

Answer to Question 2

3
Rationale: Depressed older adults may feel they are supposed to feel sad or blue as they age; however, these are not normal aspects of the aging process. Depression may be exhibited in older adults by a preoccupation with physical symptoms such as chronic pain or constipationcalled somatization. Loss of executive function such as the inability to sequence, organize, or abstract information as well as loss of interest and apathy may indicate depression in older adults.