A nurse is assessing a client diagnosed with dysthymic disorder (persistent depressive disorder). Which of the following is a characteristic feature of dysthymic disorder?

A brief period of intense depressive symptoms followed by a complete return to baseline mood

A chronic low mood that lasts for at least two years, but with fewer and less severe symptoms than major depressive disorder

Symptoms of depression that last for a minimum of two weeks and occur only during the winter months

Sudden, intense depressive episodes that are followed by periods of high energy and impulsive behavior

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A reason: Brief, intense depressive episodes with full recovery are characteristic of major depressive disorder, not dysthymia. Dysthymic disorder involves persistent, less severe symptoms over at least two years, without complete remission, making this an incorrect description.

Choice B reason: Dysthymic disorder is defined by a chronic low mood lasting at least two years, with milder symptoms (e.g., low energy, poor self-esteem) than major depressive disorder. This persistent, less severe state aligns with the diagnosis, making this the correct feature.

Choice C reason: Depressive symptoms for two weeks during winter months describe seasonal affective disorder, not dysthymia. Dysthymic disorder is chronic and not seasonally limited, with symptoms persisting for years, making this an incorrect characteristic.

Choice D reason: Sudden, intense depressive episodes followed by high-energy periods suggest bipolar disorder, not dysthymia. Dysthymic disorder involves continuous low-grade depression without manic or hypomanic episodes, making this an inaccurate description of the condition.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: Lisinopril can cause hyperkalemia due to reduced potassium excretion. Salt substitutes often contain potassium chloride, which can exacerbate this risk. Reviewing ingredients prevents excessive potassium intake, which could lead to dangerous cardiac arrhythmias, demonstrating proper understanding of dietary precautions.

Choice B reason: Missing a dose of lisinopril if feeling unwell is dangerous, as it may worsen hypertension or heart failure. Consistent dosing is critical to maintain therapeutic effects, and this statement indicates a misunderstanding requiring further teaching on medication adherence.

Choice C reason: Dizziness upon standing (orthostatic hypotension) is a side effect of lisinopril due to vasodilation and reduced blood pressure. Accepting this as normal without reporting it could delay intervention for excessive hypotension, indicating a need for further education.

Choice D reason: Unlimited intake of high-potassium foods like potatoes, bananas, and oranges can lead to hyperkalemia in clients taking lisinopril, risking cardiac arrhythmias. This statement reflects a lack of understanding of dietary potassium restrictions, necessitating further teaching on safe dietary practices.

A. Assessment of family health history B. Assessment of the client’s knowledge of treatment options C. Assessment of early disturbance in family interactions D. Assessment and monitoring of vital signs and lab values

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: Assessing family health history may provide context for genetic predispositions to mental health disorders. However, it is not the priority upon admission, as it does not address immediate physiological risks like malnutrition or cardiac instability, which are critical in anorexia nervosa due to severe weight loss.

Choice B reason: Assessing the client’s knowledge of treatment options is important for engaging them in their care plan. However, this is secondary to addressing immediate physical health risks, such as electrolyte imbalances or cardiac complications, which are life-threatening in anorexia nervosa and require urgent attention.

Choice C reason: Assessing early disturbances in family interactions may help identify triggers for anorexia nervosa, such as emotional stress. However, this is not the priority upon admission, as it does not address the immediate physiological dangers of malnutrition, dehydration, or organ dysfunction, which take precedence.

Choice D reason: Anorexia nervosa can cause severe physiological complications, including bradycardia, hypotension, and electrolyte imbalances, due to malnutrition. Assessing and monitoring vital signs and lab values is critical to identify life-threatening conditions like hypokalemia or cardiac arrhythmias, ensuring immediate stabilization and guiding treatment, making it the priority intervention.

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A nurse is assessing a client diagnosed with dysthymic disorder (persistent depressive disorder). Which of the following is a characteristic feature of dysthymic disorder?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client who is prescribed lisinopril, an ACE inhibitor. Which statement by the client demonstrates proper understanding of the discharge instructions?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A client diagnosed with anorexia nervosa is newly admitted to an inpatient psychiatric unit. Which nursing intervention takes priority?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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