A wife, who had just come home after major abdominal surgery, explained to the home health nurse that she was really worried about her husband

He had not been sleeping well or eating well, seemed to have no energy, and did not seem to enjoy anything including activities he used to love. Which of the following suggestions should the nurse give to the client?
a.
Ask what medications the husband is taking, because many medications can affect mood
b.
Explain her husband has probably been worried sick about her and the surgery, and she should reassure him frequently that she is OK
c.
Point out that many people get sad during the winter months and he should be fine when spring arrives, but in the meantime put full-spectrum light bulbs in all the household lamps
d.
Share that her husband seems depressed and that they should see his doctor immediately


ANS: D
Depressed people may experience several or all of the following symptoms: changes in appetite or weight, changes in sleep patterns, restlessness, loss of energy, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, and repeated thoughts of death or suicide. If any of these symptoms exist, the client should be referred to a physician for diagnosis. A physician can only make a diagnosis of clinical depression in the presence of five or more of the symptoms mentioned above.

Nursing

You might also like to view...

A nurse is caring for a client who has been prescribed an opioid. Which of the following would the nurse include in the ongoing assessment?

A) Review the client's health history. B) Review the client's allergy history. C) Inquire about the pain experienced by the client. D) Review the client's past and current drug therapies.

Nursing

A client is scheduled to have genetic testing and does not want the results to be released to the employer. The nurse would teach this client that which information is specifically protected by GINA?

Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Standard Text: Select all that apply. 1. The results of genetic testing 2. The names of the genetic tests performed 3. The client's age 4. The fact that genetic testing was performed 5. Whether the client manifests a disease

Nursing

The primary element required to match individual patient needs with appropriate services is proper

a. planning. b. evaluation. c. assessment. d. implementation.

Nursing

Why should children not be prescribed aspirin or aspirin-containing products?

a. There is more risk for bleeding in children than in adults. b. Aspirin products are more likely to cause GI upset in children. c. Children are more likely to experience allergic reactions to aspirin-containing products. d. Risk for Reye's syndrome, which effects brain and liver function, is increased in children.

Nursing