Author Question: A patient with suspected seasonal affective disorder asks the nurse, I've been feeling down for 3 ... (Read 81 times)

mpobi80 · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

A patient with suspected seasonal affective disorder asks the nurse, I've been feeling down for 3 months. Will I ever feel like myself again? The response that builds on an understanding of this disorder is:

a. Spontaneous improvement usually comes in 6 months to a year.
b. Can you tell me what you mean when you say feel like myself'?
c. People who have seasonal mood changes often feel better when spring comes.
d. Usually patients with this disorder see improvement during the fall and winter.

Question 2

Which nursing diagnosis would relate to the primary nursing concern related to a recently written prescription for amitriptyline (Elavil) 50 mg tid?

a. Anxiety
b. Ineffective coping
c. Risk for self-injury
d. Chronic low self-esteem

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

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Seasonal affective disorder is a condition in which the patient experiences depression begin-ning in the fall, lasting throughout the winter, and remitting in spring in the northern hemi-sphere. Fall and winter is not reflective of any diagnostic category of mood disorder. Spon-taneous improvement occurs only with the change of seasons and available sunlight. Ques-tioning is a response that does not address the point of understanding SAD.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Patients with depression are at increased risk for suicide when they have been on antidepres-sant medication for 2 weeks, because they are regaining some energy but may not have achieved full therapeutic effect with mood improvement. Poor coping is important but it is not the priority. Evidence of noncompliance is lacking. The medication is not prescribed for anxiety disorders.