A patient with depression repeatedly tells staff members, I have ...

[tuffie]

A patient with depression repeatedly tells staff members, I have cancer. It's my punishment for being a bad person. Diagnostic tests reveal no cancer. Select the priority nursing diagnosis.
 
  a. Powerlessness
  b. Risk for suicide
  c. Stress overload
  d. Spiritual distress

Question 2

A disheveled patient with severe depression and psychomotor retardation has not showered for several days. The nurse should:
 
  a. avoid forcing the issue.
  b. bring up the issue at the community meeting.
  c. calmly tell the patient, You must bathe daily.
  d. firmly and neutrally assist the patient with showering.

[yotaSR5]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
A patient with depression who feels so worthless as to believe cancer is deserved is at risk for suicide. Safety concerns take priority over the other diagnoses listed.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
When patients are unable to perform self-care activities, staff members must assist them rather than ignore the issue. Better grooming increases self-esteem. Calmly telling the patient to bathe daily and bringing up the issue at a community meeting are punitive.

[tuffie]

Great answer, keep it coming

[kishoreddi]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it