ATI RN
Mental Health Nursing Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which chronic medical condition commonly triggers major depressive disorder?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Chronic medical conditions can significantly impact mental health, often serving as triggers for major depressive disorder (MDD). The correct answer is **A: Pain**, as chronic pain is one of the most well-documented and clinically established conditions linked to the development of depression. The relationship between chronic pain and depression is bidirectional and multifaceted. Persistent pain disrupts daily functioning, limits mobility, and reduces quality of life, leading to feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, and social isolation—key contributors to depressive symptoms. Neurobiological mechanisms also play a role; chronic pain alters neurotransmitter systems (e.g., serotonin and norepinephrine) and activates inflammatory pathways, which are also implicated in depression. Studies show that up to 50% of chronic pain patients experience comorbid depression, highlighting the strength of this association. **B: Hypertension** is incorrect because, while it is a common chronic condition, its direct link to MDD is weaker. Hypertension may contribute to stress or anxiety, but it does not inherently involve the same profound disruption to daily life or neurochemical pathways as chronic pain. Some studies suggest a correlation between hypertension and depression, but this is often confounded by lifestyle factors (e.g., poor diet, lack of exercise) rather than a direct causal relationship. **C: Hypothyroidism** is incorrect as a *common* trigger for MDD, though it can mimic depressive symptoms (e.g., fatigue, low mood). However, hypothyroidism is less prevalent than chronic pain, and its depressive-like symptoms are typically resolved with thyroid hormone replacement therapy. While untreated hypothyroidism can contribute to mood disturbances, it is not among the leading chronic conditions *proven* to trigger MDD in the same way chronic pain does. **D: Crohn's disease** is incorrect because, although it is a chronic inflammatory condition that can affect mood, its association with depression is more indirect. The psychological burden of managing a gastrointestinal disorder (e.g., embarrassment, dietary restrictions) may contribute to depression, but the condition itself does not universally or directly trigger MDD to the same extent as chronic pain. The inflammatory component of Crohn's may play a role, but the evidence is not as robust as for pain-related depression. In summary, chronic pain stands out due to its high prevalence, profound impact on daily functioning, and direct neurobiological overlap with depressive mechanisms, making it the most compelling choice among the options provided. The other conditions, while relevant to mental health, lack the same breadth and depth of evidence linking them to MDD.
Question 2 of 5
Cabot has multiple symptoms of depression including mood reactivity, social phobia, anxiety, and overeating. With a history of mild hypertension, which classification of antidepressants dispensed as a transdermal patch would be a safe medication?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.
Question 3 of 5
When using therapeutic communication with a withdrawn patient who has major depression, an effective method of managing the silence is to:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Using the technique of making observations is an effective method of managing silence when communicating with a withdrawn patient who has major depression. This approach can encourage the patient to engage and feel understood without the pressure to respond, fostering a therapeutic connection and helping the patient open up at their own pace.
Question 4 of 5
Which approach involves surgically implanting electrodes into specific areas of the brain to stimulate regions identified as underactive in depression?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Deep brain stimulation is a treatment approach that involves the surgical implantation of electrodes into specific areas of the brain to stimulate regions identified as underactive in depression. This method aims to modulate brain activity and has shown effectiveness in treating certain cases of depression.
Question 5 of 5
Natasha's husband died suddenly two months ago, and she has been overwhelmed with grief. When Natasha is subsequently diagnosed with major depressive disorder, her daughter, Nadia, makes which true statement?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When individuals experience a significant loss, such as the death of a loved one, it can trigger major depressive disorder. This is because the intense grief and sadness associated with the loss can lead to the development of depressive symptoms. Therefore, Nadia's statement that 'Depression often begins after a major loss' is accurate in this context.