A charge nurse on a medical-surgical unit is anticipating an emergency response plan following an external disaster in the community. Which of the following current clients should the nurse recommend for early discharge?

Choice A reason: Increased energy and motivation signal improvement in major depressive disorder, countering fatigue and anhedonia. Serotonin and norepinephrine rebalance, often from treatment, restores drive and engagement, reflecting neurochemical stabilization in the brain’s limbic system, critical for mood regulation and recovery.
Choice B reason: Self-doubt in decision-making reflects persistent depressive symptoms, like low self-esteem and cognitive impairment. Negative thought patterns, driven by altered prefrontal cortex activity, indicate ongoing depression, not improvement, requiring adjusted interventions to address these neurocognitive deficits in major depressive disorder.
Choice C reason: Sleeping 12 hours daily indicates hypersomnia, a depressive symptom, suggesting no improvement. Disrupted circadian rhythms and serotonin dysregulation cause excessive sleep, contrasting with recovery signs like normalized sleep patterns. This reflects persistent neurochemical imbalances hindering mood stabilization in depression.
Choice D reason: Social isolation is a core depressive symptom, driven by anhedonia and low mood, indicating no improvement. Withdrawal reflects ongoing dopamine and serotonin imbalances, preventing social engagement. Recovery involves increased interaction, making isolation a sign of persistent major depressive disorder.

Choice A reason: Stating immunizations are required for air travel is inaccurate, as no such mandate exists for infants. This response does not address the parents’ concerns or educate them, potentially alienating them, making it ineffective and incorrect for fostering dialogue about immunization.
Choice B reason: Offering a referral to an infectious disease provider is premature and does not directly address the parents’ decision. Education and discussion are needed first to understand their concerns, making this response less effective and inappropriate as an initial approach.
Choice C reason: Suggesting no need to immunize against rare diseases is misleading, as vaccines prevent resurgences (e.g., measles). This undermines public health and dismisses the parents’ concerns, making it incorrect and potentially harmful to the infant’s health.
Choice D reason: Inviting discussion about the parents’ knowledge fosters open, non-judgmental communication, allowing the nurse to address misconceptions and provide evidence-based information. This therapeutic approach builds trust and encourages informed decision-making, making it the correct response for vaccine hesitancy.