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).

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The correct answer is choicea. MDD is more prevalent in older adults.

Choice A rationale:

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is indeed more prevalent in older adults.This demographic often faces unique stressors such as chronic illness, loss of loved ones, and social isolation, which can contribute to higher rates of depression.

Choice B rationale:

MDD is not primarily caused by a single factor.It is a complex disorder with multiple contributing factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, environmental influences, and psychological factors.

Choice C rationale:

Anhedonia refers to the loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyable, not excessive sleeping.Excessive sleeping is known as hypersomnia.

Choice D rationale:

MDD cannot be diagnosed if only one symptom is present.The diagnosis requires the presence of multiple symptoms, including depressed mood or anhedonia, for at least two weeks.

A. Bipolar disorder. B. Dysthymia. C. Substance-induced mood disorder. D. Adjustment disorder.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Bipolar disorder involves both depressive episodes and manic episodes. The client in question denies any history of manic episodes, making bipolar disorder less likely as a diagnosis. Manic episodes are characterized by elevated mood, increased energy, impulsivity, and risky behavior.

Choice B rationale:

Dysthymia, also known as persistent depressive disorder, involves chronic feelings of sadness and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities. It is a milder form of depression that persists for at least two years in adults. The client's persistent feelings of sadness align more closely with the criteria for dysthymia.

Choice C rationale:

Substance-induced mood disorder occurs when the client's mood disturbances are a direct result of substance use or withdrawal. Since there is no mention of substance use or withdrawal in the client's history, this choice is less relevant to the scenario.

Choice D rationale:

Adjustment disorder is characterized by the development of emotional or behavioral symptoms in response to an identifiable stressor, and these symptoms typically resolve within six months of the stressor's resolution. In the scenario, there is no indication of a recent stressor, and the client's symptoms seem to be chronic rather than time-limited, making adjustment disorder less likely.

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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 nurse is providing education to a group of nursing students about major depressive disorder (MDD). Which of the following statements accurately describes a characteristic of MDD?

Correct Answer is A

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?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

(Select All That Apply): A nurse is assessing a client for major depressive disorder (MDD). Which of the following signs and symptoms are consistent with the clinical presentation of MDD? Select all that apply.

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?

A nurse is discussing the various treatment approaches for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) with a client. Which treatment modality involves stimulating the brain electrically or magnetically to induce changes in neuronal activity and neuroplasticity?

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?

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:

(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 client is sharing their experiences with a nurse. The client states, "I just can't seem to enjoy anything anymore. Even activities I used to love don't bring me pleasure." This statement by the client is indicative of: