A nurse in a mental health facility is caring for a client who has major depressive disorder.
Progress Notes
Week 1
Client is experiencing major depressive disorder following the unexpected death of their partner 6 months ago. Has been unable to proceed through stages of grief. Has been on anti-depressant therapy for 5 months.
Admits to having thoughts of self-harm. Reports increasing anxiety levels. Loss of 15 lb over past months due to anorexia and anxiety. Reports insomnia, sleeping only 4 to 5 hr/night with frequent nightmares. Reports feelings of extreme fatigue.
Plan: Admit for group and individual therapy. Suicide precautions. Will add alprazolam to medication regimen.
Week 2
Client remains depressed, continues to have thoughts of self-harm. Not responding to group or individual therapy. States no improvement in mood or energy level. Admits to less anxiety and increased hours and quality of nightly sleep with addition of alprazolam. Anorexia still present.
Plan: Due to ineffectiveness of antidepressant regimen and psychotherapy, suggest addition of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
Medication Administration Record
Bupropion 100 mg PO TID
Escitalopram 20 mg PO daily
Alprazolam 0.25 PO BID PRN anxiety
Which of the following items in the client's medical record indicate that they are a candidate for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)?
(Select all that apply.)
Energy level
Clinical response to antidepressant therapy
Sleep changes
Appetite
Clinical response to alprazolam therapy
Correct Answer : A,B,D
A. Indication for ECT. The client reports extreme fatigue despite treatment, suggesting a lack of improvement in energy levels with medication and therapy.
B. Indication for ECT. The client has not shown significant improvement in response to antidepressant therapy, as stated in the progress notes.
C. Not an indication since the client reports increased hours and better quality of sleep.
D. Potential indication for ECT. The client has anorexia, which indicates a persistent lack of appetite despite the treatment received.
E. Mixed indication. While alprazolam has helped with anxiety and improved sleep, it hasn't resolved the underlying depressive symptoms or suicidal thoughts. Therefore, it might contribute to considering ECT as an alternative or additional therapy option.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Verbally reporting to the psychiatrist might be appropriate but doesn’t directly address ensuring the safety of the potential victim.
B. Waiting for a court order might delay necessary action and put the potential victim at risk.
C. Ensuring the potential victim is warned is a crucial step to protect them from potential harm.
D. While confidentiality is important, the duty to protect potential victims supersedes confidentiality in cases of potential harm or danger.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Being married might have protective factors against depression for some individuals due to social support; however, it's not universally a risk factor.
B. Chronic illness, due to its impact on quality of life, pain, and coping mechanisms, is a well-known risk factor for developing depression.
C. While depression can affect anyone regardless of gender, it's not accurate to label male gender as a risk factor in itself.
D. Pregnancy can be associated with perinatal mood disorders like postpartum depression, but it's not a universal risk factor for depression in all cases.

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