A nurse is assessing a patient who has been diagnosed with major depressive disorder. Which of the following is a common symptom of depression?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Decreased energy and motivation. In major depressive disorder, individuals commonly experience a persistent feeling of sadness or loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed, leading to decreased energy levels and motivation. This symptom is known as anhedonia. Options B, C, and D are incorrect because increased energy and impulsivity (B) are more characteristic of manic episodes in bipolar disorder, elevated mood and grandiosity (C) are symptoms of bipolar disorder's manic phase, and increased appetite and weight gain (D) are seen in atypical depression, not major depressive disorder.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: State Boards of Nursing. State Boards of Nursing are responsible for regulating the nursing profession, including determining the titles that registered nurses can use and their scope of practice. They establish legal requirements for nursing licensure and define the standards of practice for nurses. Professional organizations (B) may provide guidelines but do not have the legal authority to determine titles or scope of practice. Custom as a standard of care (C) varies and may not always align with legal regulations. Institutional policies and procedures (D) are specific to each healthcare facility and do not have the authority to define the legal scope of practice for nurses.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Consultation most often occurs during the Planning phase of the nursing process. During this phase, the nurse collaborates with other healthcare professionals to develop a comprehensive plan of care for the patient. This involves seeking input, advice, and expertise from various team members to ensure the best possible outcome for the patient. The Planning phase is where all the gathered information from the Assessment phase is synthesized and used to create specific interventions and goals for the patient. Consultation helps in refining the plan and ensuring that it aligns with evidence-based practices and interdisciplinary perspectives. Summary of other choices: A: Assessment - Involves collecting data about the patient's health status. Consultation typically happens after the assessment phase. B: Diagnosis - Involves analyzing data to identify health problems. Consultation is not primarily focused on making a diagnosis. D: Evaluation - Involves assessing the effectiveness of the care plan. Consultation is more focused on developing the plan rather than evaluating it.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because assessing how the patient's family views mental illness is crucial in understanding environmental factors affecting mental health. This statement shows recognition of the influence of social support and stigma. Choices B and D focus on individual or economic factors, not environmental influences. Choice C is relevant to cultural considerations, but it does not directly address environmental factors impacting mental health like choice A does.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because the Mental Health Parity Act mandates equal coverage for mental health disorders compared to physical health conditions. This is important to ensure fair and non-discriminatory treatment for individuals seeking mental health services. A is incorrect because the Mental Health Parity Act does not specifically address expanding Medicaid eligibility for uninsured Americans. B is incorrect because health insurance exchanges are not directly related to the provisions of the Mental Health Parity Act. C is incorrect because while the Act mandates equal coverage for mental health, it does not impose a general insurance mandate for coverage.