A client who is depressed is telling the nurse that the ...

[LaDunn]

A client who is depressed is telling the nurse that the challenges of life make life hopeless. The nurse plans to explore with the client:
 
  1. the reason for the fatigue.
  2. past success with overcoming challenges.
  3. current reasons for failure.
  4. distractions to ignore feelings.

Question 2

The nurse is performing a focused assessment on a client experiencing depression. The client makes the statement that life and trying to live are useless. How should the nurse respond to the client?
 
  1. Why do you feel like this?
  2. You shouldn't feel like that.
  3. Shall I call your children?
  4. Have you thought about hurting yourself?

[paavo]

Answer to Question 1

Answer: 2

1. Clients with depression often appear fatigued, but the issue here is helping the client to overcome the feelings of being overwhelmed.
2. The nurse explores past successes and strengths, and helps the client focus on the fact that the ability to work through obstacles is in the client.
3. The nurse would not want to focus on failure, as it will only reinforce the client's feeling of hopelessness.
4. The feelings need to be talked about, not ignored, or they will intensify.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: 4

1. Asking the client why she feels this way is a form of challenge for the client to justify the feelings. Many would not be able to give an answer to the question.
2. The nurse never tells the client that she shouldn't have feelings. Feelings are not right or wrong, they just are, and the nurse's job is to get at the reason for the statement by encouraging conversation.
3. Asking about calling the family could be seen as punitive and is an evasion of the issue.
4. It is acceptable to explore the possibility of suicide.

[LaDunn]

TYSM

[Sarahjh]

Wow, this really help