ATI LPN
Test Bank for Psychiatric Nursing: Contemporary Practice
Chapter 23 : Depression:Management of Depressive Moods and Suicidal Behavior Questions
Question 1 of 5
After teaching a group of nursing students about the neurobiologic theories of depression, the instructor determines the need for additional teaching when the students identify which neurotransmitter as playing a role?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Norepinephrine (
B), serotonin (
C), and dopamine (
D) are implicated in depression due to their roles in mood regulation. GABA (
A) is primarily involved in anxiety and seizure disorders, not depression, indicating a misunderstanding.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is preparing to assess a middle-aged male client who was brought to the emergency department by his wife. She reports that the client has been extremely depressed lately. When assessing this client, which of the following would be a priority assessment?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Thoughts of self-harm (
B) are the priority assessment in depression due to the risk of suicide, a life-threatening complication. Sleep changes (
A), appetite changes (
C), and fatigue (
D) are important but secondary to ensuring safety.
Question 3 of 5
A client with depression is prescribed fluoxetine. On a return visit to the clinic, the client tells the nurse that he also just started taking St. John?s wort to feel better. The nurse assesses the client for which of the following?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Fluoxetine, an SSRI, combined with St. John?s wort, which has serotonin-enhancing effects, increases the risk of serotonin syndrome (
C), characterized byproducttremors, agitation, and hyperthermia. Water intoxication (
A), increased depression (
B), and hypertensive crisis (
D) are less likely with this combination.
Question 4 of 5
A client comes to the emergency department complaining of a severe pounding headache in the temples and a stiff neck. The client is flushed and diaphoretic, and his pulse is racing. The client states that he is being treated for depression with selegiline. Which question by the nurse would be most important to ask at this time?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Selegiline, an MAOI, can cause a hypertensive crisis when combined with tyramine-rich foods, leading to symptoms like headache, stiff neck, and tachycardia. Asking about recent food or drink intake (
B) is critical to identify potential triggers. Drug levels (
A), chest pain (
C), and herbal remedies (
D) are less immediately relevant.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is developing a teaching plan for a client who is prescribed escitalopram. Which of the following side effects would the nurse include in this plan? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: A,B,C,F
Rationale: Escitalopram, an SSRI, commonly causes weight gain (
A), decreased sexual interest (
B), sedation (
C), and dry mouth (F). Blurred vision (
D) and urinary retention (E) are more typical of tricyclic antidepressants, not SSRIs.