ATI LPN
Test Bank for Psychiatric Nursing: Contemporary Practice
Chapter 23 : Depression:Management of Depressive Moods and Suicidal Behavior Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is caring for a client with major depression. The client tells the nurse that she just isn?t sure that life is worth living. The nurse documents which nursing diagnosis as the priority?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The client?s statement reflects hopelessness (
B), a critical symptom of major depression linked to suicide risk, making it the priority nursing diagnosis. Low self-esteem (
A) is relevant but less urgent, anxiety (
C) is not directly indicated, and disturbed thought processes (
D) are less specific to the statement.
Question 2 of 5
A client is prescribed phenelzine (Nardil) to treat her depression. She is at a local café for lunch with a friend. Which of the following items on the menu would be least appropriate for the client to order?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Phenelzine, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), requires avoiding tyramine-rich foods like aged cheeses (e.g., blue cheese, Roquefort) in option B, as they can cause a hypertensive crisis. Roast beef (
A), eggs (
C), and steak (
D) are generally safe if not aged or fermented.
Question 3 of 5
A 34-year-old client with depression is admitted to an inpatient psychiatric unit. The nurse enters her room and initiates interaction with the client. When talking with the client, which approach would be least appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: An animated and cheerful manner (
B) is least appropriate, as it may feel dismissive or overwhelming to a depressed client, undermining their emotional state. Quiet empathy (
A), matter-of-fact (
C), and respectful directness (
D) foster trust and align with the client?s needs.
Question 4 of 5
A client is hospitalized on a psychiatric unit secondary to a suicide attempt. He has been diagnosed with depression. He has been consistently depressed. When assessing the client, which of the following would alert the nurse that the client?s suicidal risk has worsened?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Increased feelings of depression (
A) indicate a worsening of the client?s condition, heightening suicide risk, especially given his history of a suicide attempt. Lethargy and isolation (
B) are concerning but less specific, improved mood and interaction (
C) suggest reduced risk, and stable symptoms (
D) do not indicate worsening.
Question 5 of 5
A group of nursing students is reviewing information about the epidemiology of depressive disorders. The students demonstrate understanding of the information when they identify which of the following as possible risk factors? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: A,B,C,D,E
Rationale: All options are risk factors for depression: substance abuse (
A) increases vulnerability, low social support (
B) exacerbates isolation, inadequate coping skills (
C) impair resilience, prior anxiety disorders (
D) often co-occur, and medical illnesses (E) contribute to depressive symptoms.