Author Question: A patient became depressed after the last of six children moved out of the home 4 months ago. The ... (Read 89 times)

karlynnae · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

A patient became depressed after the last of six children moved out of the home 4 months ago. The patient has been self-neglectful, slept poorly, lost weight, and repeatedly says, No one cares about me anymore. I'm not worth anything.

Select an appropriate initial outcome for the nursing diagnosis Situational low self-esteem, related to feelings of abandonment. The patient will:

a. verbalize realistic positive characteristics about self by (date) .
b. consent to take antidepressant medication regularly by (date) .
c. initiate social interaction with another person daily by (date) .
d. identify two personal behaviors that alienate others by (date) .

Question 2

An adult with depression was treated with medication and cognitive behavioral therapy. The patient now recognizes how passivity contributed to the depression. Which intervention should the nurse suggest?

a. Social skills training
b. Relaxation training classes
c. Use of complementary therapy
d. Learning desensitization techniques

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

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Low self-esteem is reflected by making consistently negative statements about self and self-worth. Replacing negative cognitions with more realistic appraisals of self is an appropriate intermediate outcome. The incorrect options are not as clearly related to the nursing diagnosis. Outcomes are best when framed positively; identifying two personal behaviors that might alienate others is a negative concept.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Social skills training is helpful in treating and preventing the recurrence of depression. Training focuses on assertiveness and coping skills that lead to positive reinforcement from others and the development of a patient's support system. The use of complementary therapy refers to adjunctive therapies such as herbals. Assertiveness would be of greater value than relaxation training because passivity is a concern. Desensitization is used in the treatment of phobias.