A client with major depressive disorder has been taking fluoxetine, an SSRI, for 5 weeks. During the first outpatient visit, the client smiles and states, “I feel like a great weight is off my chest.” How should the nurse interpret this behavior change?

The client’s behavioral change is expected after the time period of medication.

The client may have worked out details of their suicide plan.

The medication dosage should be decreased and a mood stabilizer added.

The medication has potentiated serotonin syndrome.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

The correct answer is a. The client’s behavioral change is expected after the time period of medication.

Choice A Reason:

This choice is correct because fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), typically takes about 4 to 6 weeks to start showing its full effects. The client’s statement, “I feel like a great weight is off my chest,” indicates a positive response to the medication, which aligns with the expected timeline for SSRIs to improve mood and alleviate symptoms of depression. This behavioral change suggests that the medication is working as intended, helping to lift the depressive symptoms.

Choice B Reason:

This choice is incorrect and concerning. While it is true that some individuals may experience a temporary increase in energy before their mood improves, which could potentially increase the risk of suicide, the client’s positive statement does not necessarily indicate suicidal planning. It is important for healthcare providers to continuously monitor for any signs of suicidal ideation, but in this context, the client’s statement more likely reflects an improvement in their depressive symptoms.

Choice C Reason:

This choice is incorrect because there is no indication that the medication dosage should be decreased or that a mood stabilizer should be added. Fluoxetine is generally well-tolerated, and the client’s positive response suggests that the current dosage is effective. Mood stabilizers are typically used in the treatment of bipolar disorder, not major depressive disorder, unless there is a specific indication for their use.

Choice D Reason:

This choice is incorrect and indicates a misunderstanding of serotonin syndrome. Serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by excessive serotonin activity in the brain, often due to drug interactions or overdose. Symptoms include agitation, confusion, rapid heart rate, and high blood pressure4. The client’s statement of feeling relieved does not align with the symptoms of serotonin syndrome, which are generally severe and require immediate medical attention.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The correct answer is c. Be consistent in staff limit setting.

Choice A Reason: Provide Positive Reinforcement for Acting-Out Behavior

Providing positive reinforcement for acting-out behavior is counterproductive, especially for clients with antisocial personality disorder (ASPD). Positive reinforcement would encourage the continuation of manipulative and disruptive behaviors, which are characteristic of ASPD. Instead, interventions should focus on promoting positive behaviors and discouraging negative ones.

Choice B Reason: Discourage the Client from Discussing Feelings of Fear and Inferiority

Discouraging clients from discussing their feelings is not a therapeutic approach. Clients with ASPD may have underlying issues that contribute to their behavior, and discussing these feelings can be an important part of therapy. Open communication can help in understanding the root causes of their behavior and developing effective treatment plans.

Choice C Reason: Be Consistent in Staff Limit Setting

Consistency in staff limit setting is crucial when dealing with clients with ASPD. These individuals often test boundaries and manipulate situations to their advantage. Consistent limit setting helps establish clear expectations and consequences, which can reduce manipulative behaviors and promote a more structured environment4. This approach helps clients understand that their actions have predictable outcomes, which is essential for behavior modification.

Choice D Reason: Ignore, Rather than Confront Inappropriate Behavior

Ignoring inappropriate behavior can lead to an escalation of such behaviors. Clients with ASPD may interpret this as a lack of consequences, reinforcing their manipulative actions. Confronting inappropriate behavior in a consistent and structured manner is necessary to address and modify these behaviors effectively.

A. Childhood depression B. Oppositional Defiant Disorder C. Conduct Disorder D. Autism Spectrum Disorder

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Conduct Disorder

Choice A Reason: Childhood Depression

Childhood depression is a mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in activities. Symptoms can include changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, and difficulty concentrating. While depression can lead to behavioral issues, it is less likely to be associated with the specific behaviors described in the scenario, such as running away and being abusive towards parents. These behaviors are more indicative of a disruptive behavior disorder rather than a mood disorder.

Choice B Reason: Oppositional Defiant Disorder

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is characterized by a pattern of angry, irritable mood, argumentative/defiant behavior, or vindictiveness. Children with ODD often lose their temper, argue with adults, and refuse to comply with rules. While ODD can involve some of the behaviors described, such as being abusive towards parents, it typically does not include the more severe behaviors like running away or engaging in illegal activities such as prostitution. Therefore, ODD is not the most fitting diagnosis in this case.

Choice C Reason: Conduct Disorder

Conduct Disorder is a more severe behavioral disorder characterized by a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior that violates the rights of others or major age-appropriate societal norms or rules. Symptoms include aggression towards people and animals, destruction of property, deceitfulness or theft, and serious violations of rules, such as running away from home and engaging in illegal activities like prostitution. Given the behaviors described in the scenario, Conduct Disorder is the most appropriate diagnosis. Adolescents with Conduct Disorder often exhibit a lack of remorse or guilt and may have a history of problematic behaviors that escalate over time.

Choice D Reason: Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder characterized by difficulties with social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. While individuals with ASD may exhibit challenging behaviors, these are typically related to difficulties in understanding social norms and communication rather than intentional defiance or rule-breaking. The behaviors described in the scenario, such as running away and engaging in prostitution, are not characteristic of ASD, making it an unlikely diagnosis in this context.

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A client with major depressive disorder has been taking fluoxetine, an SSRI, for 5 weeks. During the first outpatient visit, the client smiles and states, “I feel like a great weight is off my chest.” How should the nurse interpret this behavior change?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The intervention appropriate for a client who has been manipulating others and has a diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder is to:

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A fifteen-year-old was referred to the adolescent mental health clinic after being arrested for prostitution. The client’s parents reported that they have run away several times and are abusive towards them. The nurse should anticipate that the diagnosis will be:

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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During intake assessment, the nurse is most likely to hear a client with major depressive disorder say which of the following statements about depression? (Select All that Apply.)

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