A client is experiencing persistent feelings of sadness, guilt, and worthlessness. They also report significant weight loss and insomnia. The nurse suspects the client may have:

Bipolar disorder.

An adjustment disorder.

Major depressive disorder (MDD).

A normal response to stress.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A rationale:

Bipolar disorder involves distinct periods of both elevated mood (mania or hypomania) and depressive episodes. The scenario describes persistent feelings of sadness, guilt, worthlessness, weight loss, and insomnia, which are characteristic symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD) but not necessarily indicative of bipolar disorder.

Choice B rationale:

An adjustment disorder is characterized by emotional or behavioral symptoms that arise within three months of experiencing a stressor (e.g., a major life change or event). The persistent feelings of sadness, guilt, worthlessness, weight loss, and insomnia described in the scenario are beyond the typical time frame for an adjustment disorder.

Choice C rationale:

The correct answer. Major depressive disorder (MDD) is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, changes in weight or appetite, insomnia or hypersomnia, psychomotor agitation or retardation, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt, difficulty concentrating, and recurrent thoughts of death or suicide. The client's symptoms align closely with the diagnostic criteria for MDD.

Choice D rationale:

A normal response to stress usually involves transient feelings of sadness or anxiety in response to a stressor. However, the client's symptoms of persistent feelings of sadness, guilt, worthlessness, weight loss, and insomnia are indicative of a more serious and prolonged condition like major depressive disorder (MDD).

Nursing Test Bank

Test Bank #1: RN Pharmacology Exams Test Bank #2: RN Medical-Surgical Exams Test Bank #3: RN Fundamentals Exams Test Bank #4: RN Maternal-Newborn Exams Test Bank #5: RN Anatomy and Physiology Exams Test Bank #6: RN Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Test Bank #7: RN Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Test Bank #9: RN Adult Health Test Bank #10: RN Dosage Calculation Test Bank #11: RN Community Health Exams Test Bank #12: RN Psychology Exams Test Bank #13: RN Nursing Care Of Children Test Bank #14: RN Foundations of Nursing Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Exam #1: RN Comprehensive predictor 2023 proctored exam Exam #2: Ati rn vati comprehensive predictor proctored exam Exam #3: Ati Rn Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam 2023 Exam #4: Rn Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Proctored Exam - St. Joseph Exam #5: RN Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam (National U CA San Diego) Exam #6: Ati rn comprehensive predictor 2023 retake proctored exam Exam #7: RN Hesi Exit Proctored Exam Exam #8: Hesi RN Exit proctored exam Exam #9: Hesi rn exit proctored exam Exam #10: Hesi Rn compass exit B proctored exam

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Increased appetite is not a commonly associated side effect of antidepressant medications. In fact, some antidepressants can lead to decreased appetite or weight loss as side effects.

Choice B rationale:

Hypertension (high blood pressure) is generally not a common side effect of most antidepressant medications. However, there are specific cases where certain antidepressants might have an impact on blood pressure, but it's not a typical side effect across the board.

Choice C rationale:

This is the correct statement. Insomnia, or difficulty sleeping, is a commonly reported side effect of many antidepressant medications. It can disrupt sleep patterns and lead to increased sleep difficulties, which might exacerbate existing sleep problems or contribute to new ones.

Choice D rationale:

Excessive energy is not a common side effect associated with antidepressant use. Antidepressants typically work to regulate mood and alleviate symptoms of depression, and excessive energy would not align with the expected effects of these medications.

A. Depression is solely caused by genetic factors, with no influence from environmental factors. B. Genetic factors play a minor role in depression, with environmental factors being the primary cause. C. Genetic theory suggests that specific genes are responsible for causing depression, independent of environmental factors. D. Genetic factors make some individuals more vulnerable to developing depression, but environmental factors also play a significant role in its expression.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Depression is not solely caused by genetic factors. While genetics do play a role in predisposing individuals to depression, it's a complex interplay between genetic susceptibility and environmental influences that contribute to the development of the disorder.

Choice B rationale:

Genetic factors are not minor players in depression. Research suggests that genetics can significantly influence a person's susceptibility to depression. However, environmental factors, such as trauma, stress, and life experiences, also contribute substantially to the onset and course of depression.

Choice C rationale:

The relationship between genetics and depression is not as straightforward as specific genes causing depression independently of environmental factors. Depression is a multifactorial disorder influenced by a combination of genetic, biological, psychological, and environmental factors.

Choice D rationale:

This is the correct answer. Genetic factors do contribute to an individual's vulnerability to depression. Studies of families, twins, and heritability have demonstrated a genetic component to depression. However, it's crucial to recognize that genetic predisposition interacts with environmental factors. Trauma, loss, chronic stress, and other environmental triggers can precipitate depressive episodes in genetically susceptible individuals.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

A client is experiencing persistent feelings of sadness, guilt, and worthlessness. They also report significant weight loss and insomnia. The nurse suspects the client may have:

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client is concerned about the potential side effects of antidepressant medications. Which of the following side effects is commonly associated with antidepressant use?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A client is wondering about the genetic factors that contribute to depression. What is the relationship between genetic factors and depression according to the text?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is assessing a client who has been experiencing persistent feelings of sadness, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. The client denies any history of manic episodes. Which of the following conditions should the nurse consider as a possible differential diagnosis for this client?

A client wants to understand the factors that contribute to the development of depression. Which of the following factors are mentioned in the text as potential contributors to depression?

(Select All That Apply): A nurse is educating a group of clients about the treatment approaches for MDD. Which of the following modalities are considered main treatment options for MDD according to the text? Select all that apply.

A nurse is conducting a mental health assessment on a client. The client reports feeling extremely fatigued, having difficulty concentrating, and having thoughts of worthlessness. The nurse recognizes these as:

(Select All That Apply): A nurse is providing care for a client with suspected major depressive disorder (MDD). Which of the following are risk factors for developing MDD? Select all that apply.

A client is experiencing persistent feelings of sadness, guilt, and worthlessness. They also report significant weight loss and insomnia. The nurse suspects the client may have:

A nurse is explaining the role of neurotransmitters in the pathophysiology of MDD to a group of nursing students. Which neurotransmitters are mentioned in the text as being involved in regulating mood, motivation, reward, cognition, and stress response?

A nurse is administering a depression assessment tool to a client. The tool evaluates mood, anxiety, insomnia, somatic symptoms, and other aspects of depression. Which assessment tool is the nurse most likely using?