Author Question: The nurse is caring for a client experiencing depression and who is a known risk for suicide. The ... (Read 63 times)

stevenposner · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

The nurse is caring for a client experiencing depression and who is a known risk for suicide. The nurse observes that the client appears to be happy and has been giving some treasured possessions away during the day.

The nurse should assess the client for:

1. possibility for discharge.
2. overdose of medication.
3. a plan for suicide.
4. planned violence towards others.

Question 2

A client who experiences a mood disorder asks the nurse how antidepressants work to restore mood balance. The nurse should tell the client that:

1. medications induce happiness.
2. neurotransmitter function is restored.
3. medications restore oxygen to the brain.
4. medication enhances brainstem functioning.

akpaschal · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Answer: 3

1. The depressed client who is suddenly happy has a plan for suicide and is not ready for discharge.
2. Overdose of medication would cause physical effects.
3. The client who appears happy and begins giving away personal items has a plan for suicide. The nurse should recognize the signs and alert the health care team.
4. A client with violent intentions toward others would not appear happy and would not give possessions away.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: 2

1. Telling the client that the medications induce happiness does not give the client the whole picture, and is a false statement.
2. It is thought that the neurotransmitters are suppressed in the client with mood disorders. Medication is aimed at restoring the functioning of neurotransmitters.
3. Medication does not increase oxygen to the brain.
4. Neurotransmitters function in the whole brain, not just one part.