A nurse has just admitted a female patient to the medical-surgical unit for a recurrent urinary tract infection. Which finding should alert the nurse that the patient may be experiencing major depression?

Question

a. A patient who reports sleeping 14 to 16 hours per day for the past 3 months.
b. A patient who states, "I feel pretty emotional about once a month."
c. A patient who comments, "I have asked my sister to help me at home until I am feeling stronger."
d. A patient who says, "I'm a bit of a loner. I love to read and surf the Internet."

Answer 1

A
A major depressive episode may manifest as hypersomnia or insomnia; these patients also take no pleasure or interest in their usual activities or pastimes.
Feeling emotional once a month may be premenstrual syndrome and is not indicative of major depression.
Asking a sister to assist at home is a positive action and not indicative of major depression.
Being a loner is not problematic, especially when the person is interested in other pastimes; therefore, this is not indicative of major depression.