A nurse is assessing a patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder. The patient states, 'I feel like I have failed in everything I've done.' What is the priority nursing intervention?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Correct Answer: C - Assess the patient for suicidal thoughts and plans. Rationale: 1. Suicidal ideation is a serious concern in major depressive disorder. 2. It is crucial to assess the patient's current risk for self-harm. 3. Assessing for suicidal thoughts and plans allows for appropriate safety measures to be implemented. 4. This intervention addresses the immediate safety of the patient. Summary: - Option A focuses on positivity but does not address the risk of harm. - Option B offers reassurance but does not directly address suicidal ideation. - Option D suggests a treatment modality but does not address the immediate safety concern.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Correct Answer: B Rationale: 1. Empathy: By acknowledging the patient's feelings of shame, the nurse validates their emotions and shows understanding. 2. Therapeutic Communication: Expressing empathy creates a supportive environment and encourages the patient to open up about their struggles. 3. Building Trust: Acknowledging the patient's emotions helps in building a trusting nurse-patient relationship, essential for effective care. 4. Encouraging Help-Seeking Behavior: By stating "we are here to help you," the nurse encourages the patient to seek assistance and engage in treatment. Summary: A: This response oversimplifies the issue and doesn't address the patient's emotional needs. C: Ignoring the patient's feelings and focusing solely on eating habits may be counterproductive. D: This response lacks empathy and fails to provide the necessary support for the patient's emotional well-being.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because research indicates that spiritual practices can positively impact immune system function and coping abilities, which can help reduce the risk of infections in HIV-positive individuals. This response acknowledges the potential benefits of spiritual practices on health outcomes. Choice A is incorrect as it dismisses the potential influence of spiritual practices on health and instead attributes the patient's previous good health to youth and strength. Choice B is incorrect because it acknowledges the benefit of social support but does not directly address the potential health benefits of spiritual practices. Choice D is incorrect as it focuses solely on the risk of infections from attending church without considering the potential positive effects of spiritual practices on health.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is responsible for regulating the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary responses like fear reactions. When the person with acrophobia (fear of heights) drives across the high bridge, the hypothalamus will be stimulated to trigger the autonomic nervous system's fight-or-flight response. The thalamus (A) is involved in sensory processing, the parietal lobe (B) in spatial awareness, and the pituitary gland (D) in hormone regulation - none of which directly relate to the autonomic nervous system's response to fear stimuli.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: An interview room furnished with a desk and two chairs. This room provides a private and calm environment for the patient to express themselves openly. It allows for a therapeutic conversation and assessment of the patient's mental status. Choice B is incorrect as it does not provide a suitable environment for patient care or communication. Choice C is more appropriate for a physical examination rather than a mental health assessment. Choice D is not ideal as it may not offer the privacy needed for the patient to discuss sensitive issues.