Question 1

The severity of depressive symptoms in the postpartum period varies from a feeling of the "blues," to moderate depression, to psychotic depression or melancholia. Which disorder is correctly matched with its presenting symptoms?

Accepted Answer

A)  Maternity blues (lack of concentration, agitation, guilt, and an abnormal attitude toward bodily functions) 
B)  Postpartum depression (irritability, loss of libido, sleep disturbances, expresses concern about inability to care for baby) 
C)  Postpartum melancholia (overprotection of infant, expresses concern about inability to care for baby, mysophobia) 
D)  Postpartum depressive psychosis (transient depressed mood, agitation, abnormal fear of child abduction, suicidal ideations)

Question 2

A number of assessment rating scales are available for measuring severity of depressive symptoms. Which scale would a nurse practitioner use to assess a depressed client?

Accepted Answer

A)  Zung Depression Scale 
B)  Hamilton Depression Rating Scale 
C)  Beck Depression Inventory 
D)  AIMS Depression Rating Scale

Question 3

When planning care for a depressed client, which correctly written outcome should be a nurse's first priority?

Accepted Answer

A)  The client will promise not to physically harm self. 
B)  The client will discuss feelings with staff and family by day three. 
C)  The client will establish a trusting relationship with the nurse. 
D)  The client will remain safe during hospital stay.

Question 4

A client, who is taking transdermal selegiline (Emsam) for depressive symptoms, states, "My physician told me there was no need to worry about dietary restrictions." Which would be the most appropriate nursing response?

Accepted Answer

A)  "Because your dose of Emsam is 6 mg in 24 hours, dietary restrictions are not recommended." 
B)  "You must have misunderstood. An MAOI like Emsam always has dietary restrictions." 
C)  "Only oral MAOIs require dietary restrictions." 
D)  "All transdermal MAOIs do not require dietary modifications."

Question 5

A client who has been taking fluvoxamine (Luvox) without significant improvement asks a nurse, "I heard about something called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). Can't my doctor add that to my medications?" Which is an appropriate nursing response?

Accepted Answer

A)  "This combination of drugs can lead to delirium tremens." 
B)  "A combination of an MAOI and Luvox can lead to a life-threatening hypertensive crisis." 
C)  "That's a good idea. There have been good results with the combination of these two drugs." 
D)  "The only disadvantage would be the exorbitant cost of the MAOI."

Question 6

A client is prescribed phenelzine (Nardil). Which of the following statements by the client should indicate to a nurse that the discharge teaching about this medication has been successful?

Accepted Answer

A)  "I'll have to let my surgeon know about this medication before I have my cholecystectomy." 
B)  "I guess I will have to give up my glass of red wine with dinner." 
C)  "I'll have to be very careful about reading food and medication labels." 
D)  "I'm going to miss my caffeinated coffee in the morning." 
E)  "I'll be sure not to stop this medication abruptly."

Question 7

A depressed client reports to a nurse a history of divorce, job loss, family estrangement, and cocaine abuse. Which theoretical principle best explains the etiology of this client's depressive symptoms?

Accepted Answer

A)  According to psychoanalytic theory, depression is a result of negative perceptions. 
B)  According to object-loss theory, depression is a result of overprotection. 
C)  According to learning theory, depression is a result of repeated failures. 
D)  According to cognitive theory, depression is a result of anger turned inward.

Exam 16: Depressive Disorders

The severity of depressive symptoms in the postpartum period varies from a feeling of the "blues," to moderate depression, to psychotic depression or melancholia. Which disorder is correctly matched with its presenting symptoms?

A number of assessment rating scales are available for measuring severity of depressive symptoms. Which scale would a nurse practitioner use to assess a depressed client?

When planning care for a depressed client, which correctly written outcome should be a nurse's first priority?

A client, who is taking transdermal selegiline (Emsam) for depressive symptoms, states, "My physician told me there was no need to worry about dietary restrictions." Which would be the most appropriate nursing response?

A client who has been taking fluvoxamine (Luvox) without significant improvement asks a nurse, "I heard about something called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) . Can't my doctor add that to my medications?" Which is an appropriate nursing response?

A client is prescribed phenelzine (Nardil) . Which of the following statements by the client should indicate to a nurse that the discharge teaching about this medication has been successful?

A depressed client reports to a nurse a history of divorce, job loss, family estrangement, and cocaine abuse. Which theoretical principle best explains the etiology of this client's depressive symptoms?