A client diagnosed with chronic depression appears sad and joyless when arriving at the mental health clinic for a scheduled appointment. The nurse best assesses the client's mood by:

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because it directly assesses the client's self-reported mood level, providing valuable insight into their emotional state. By using a standardized scale, the nurse can quantitatively evaluate the client's mood, allowing for a more accurate assessment. Choice A is incorrect because assessing posture, dress, and hygiene does not directly assess the client's mood; it provides information on physical appearance. Choice B is incorrect because asking if the client is depressed is leading and may not elicit an accurate response; it assumes the client's emotional state. Choice D is incorrect because observing interactions with staff may not accurately reflect the client's mood; it could be influenced by various factors such as social skills or current circumstances.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because excessive alcohol consumption, while harmful, does not inherently meet the criteria for involuntary commitment. Step 1: Involuntary commitment typically requires imminent danger to self or others. Step 2: While excessive alcohol consumption is concerning, it does not necessarily indicate immediate danger. Step 3: Choices A, B, and C all involve behaviors or conditions that pose a more immediate risk, such as threats of self-harm, severe physical health issues, or disorientation. Thus, D is the only option where the behavior does not meet the criteria for involuntary commitment.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because providing stress management classes to new parents aligns with primary preventive psychiatric nursing care, which aims to prevent mental health issues before they occur. This intervention promotes mental wellness by teaching coping skills and reducing stressors. Counseling abuse victims (A) is secondary prevention, addressing existing mental health issues. Screening for depression in senior citizens (C) is tertiary prevention, aimed at early detection and treatment of mental health conditions. Arranging transportation to Alcoholics Anonymous meetings (D) is also secondary prevention, targeting individuals with existing substance abuse problems.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Low self-esteem. Stigma towards mental illness can lead to individuals internalizing negative beliefs about themselves, resulting in low self-esteem. This can impact their overall well-being and hinder their ability to seek help and engage in social activities. Impaired social skills (B) can be a consequence of stigma but is not the greatest negative personal result. Poor employment prospects (C) and increased risk for substance abuse (D) can also be outcomes of stigma, but they are not directly related to the individual's self-perception and personal well-being as low self-esteem.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because regular attendance at birthing preparation classes directly reflects engagement with the psychiatric program designed for pregnant women with depression. Attending these classes demonstrates the client's commitment to seeking support and education for her mental health and pregnancy. It also indicates active participation in a structured intervention aimed at improving overall well-being. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not directly measure the success of the psychiatric program in addressing the client's depression during pregnancy. Choice A focuses on physical health, choice B reflects emotional sentiment, and choice C pertains to medication adherence, which are important but not direct indicators of the intervention's success in treating depression during pregnancy.