This QUIZ will test your nursing knowledge about depression and mental health disorders in preparation for the NCLEX NextGen exam and HESI Exit.
1. Sarah, a 28-year-old woman, has been feeling persistently sad, fatigued, and uninterested in her usual activities for the past six months. She has difficulty sleeping and experiences changes in appetite. Additionally, Sarah often feels worthless and has recurrent thoughts of death. On assessment, the nurse finds Sarah’s affect to be flat, and she speaks slowly with decreased motivation. Her medical history and physical examination show no significant abnormalities. Which of the following nursing interventions is the priority?
a) Encouraging her to join a support group for individuals with depression.
b) Monitoring her vital signs regularly to assess for any physiological changes.
c) Engaging her in recreational activities to distract her from negative thoughts.
d) Initiating a suicide risk assessment to ensure her safety.
2. Mr. Smith, a 65-year-old man, who recently lost his spouse to a chronic illness. He presents to the healthcare facility with symptoms of depression, including persistent sadness, feelings of hopelessness, insomnia, and a loss of appetite. During the assessment, Mr. Smith reveals that he sometimes wishes he could be with his late spouse and expresses feelings of guilt over not being able to prevent the death. As the nurse plans care for Mr. Smith, which of the following therapeutic communication techniques is most appropriate to use?
a) Providing advice and solutions to help cope with grief and depression.
b) Encouraging Mr. Smith to explore childhood memories to distract him from current feelings.
c) Empathetically acknowledging Mr. Smith’s feelings and offering a nonjudgmental presence.
d) Suggesting that Mr. Smith focus on work or hobbies to avoid dwelling on negative thoughts.
3. A 40-year-old man, visits his primary care provider, complaining of various symptoms. He reports feeling persistently sad and hopeless for the past few months. He mentions that he has lost interest in activities he once enjoyed, and his energy levels have significantly decreased. He finds it challenging to concentrate at work and experiences changes in his sleep patterns, often having difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. He also notices a significant change in his appetite, leading to unintentional weight loss. On further assessment, he denies any physical health issues. Which of the following clusters of symptoms is most indicative of depression?
a) Weight gain, increased appetite, and hypersomnia.
b) Feelings of elation, racing thoughts, and grandiose beliefs.
c) Low self-esteem, feelings of guilt, and suicidal ideation.
d) Difficulty breathing, chest pain, and dizziness.
4. Emma a 22-year-old college student, seeks counseling services at the university’s health center. She reports feeling overwhelmed, sad, and unmotivated for the past few weeks. Emma mentions that she used to excel academically, but lately, she has difficulty concentrating on her studies and has experienced a decline in her grades. She denies any physical health problems, substance use, or recent major life events. Upon further assessment, Emma’s counselor notices psychomotor agitation and a negative outlook on her future. Which of the following symptoms is most likely associated with Emma’s depression?
a) Intense fear of social situations and avoidance of social interactions.
b) Uncontrollable repetitive behaviors performed to alleviate anxiety.
c) Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities and hobbies.
d) Disconnection from reality and disturbances in thought processes.
5. Mary is a 55-year-old woman who has been diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD). She is currently experiencing moderate to severe depressive symptoms, including persistent sadness, feelings of worthlessness, and difficulty sleeping. Her healthcare provider decides to start her on antidepressant medication. Which of the following medications is a commonly prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used in the treatment of depression?
a) Amitriptyline.
b) Sertraline.
c) Venlafaxine.
d) Bupropion.
6. A 30-year-old man has been diagnosed with depression and is about to start antidepressant medication. His healthcare provider decides to prescribe a medication that primarily inhibits the reuptake of norepinephrine, with some weak effects on serotonin reuptake. This medication is also known to be effective for smoking cessation. Which of the following antidepressants is most likely prescribed?
a) Fluoxetine.
b) Paroxetine.
c) Desvenlafaxine.
d) Bupropion.
7. Ms. Johnson is a 60-year-old woman who has been suffering from severe and treatment-resistant depression for several years. Despite trying multiple antidepressant medications and psychotherapy, her symptoms have not significantly improved. Her healthcare provider suggests electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Ms. Johnson is concerned about the potential side effects. Which of the following statements by the nurse is the most appropriate response to address her concerns?
a) “ECT is known to cause long-term memory loss and cognitive impairment.”
b) “ECT is a painful procedure that requires anesthesia and can lead to physical injuries.”
c) “ECT is a safe and effective treatment for severe depression, and memory loss is usually temporary and improves with time.”
d) “ECT is reserved for patients with mild depression, and we can consider other treatment options for you.”
8. A 45-year-old man with a history of recurrent major depressive episodes presents to the clinic. His healthcare provider suggests electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) as a potential treatment option for his current severe depressive episode. He is hesitant and wants to know more about how ECT works. Which of the following statements best describes the mechanism of action of ECT?
a) “ECT delivers high doses of antipsychotic medications to alleviate depressive symptoms.”
b) “ECT uses electric currents to stimulate specific areas of the brain, leading to controlled seizures that can improve depression.”
c) “ECT involves implanting electrodes in the brain to regulate mood and emotions.”
d) “ECT is a form of psychotherapy that helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns.”
9. Emily is a 16-year-old high school student who has been showing signs of depression. Her teachers have noticed a significant decline in her academic performance, and she often appears sad and withdrawn in school. Emily’s parents report that she has been sleeping excessively and has lost interest in activities she once enjoyed. She denies any recent major life events or conflicts with friends. As a nurse caring for Emily, which of the following statements is the most appropriate for assessing her depression and related symptoms?
a) “Are you experiencing any anxiety or panic attacks?”
b) “Do you often feel angry or irritable?”
c) “Have you considered using substances to cope with your feelings?”
d) “Have you experienced any hallucinations or delusions?”
10. James is a 14-year-old boy who has recently been diagnosed with depression. His healthcare provider has discussed treatment options with him and his parents. They are considering psychotherapy as one of the approaches. Which type of psychotherapy is specifically designed to treat depression in adolescents and focuses on teaching coping skills and problem-solving techniques?
a) Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).
b) Psychodynamic therapy.
c) Play therapy.
d) Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).