The nurse is caring for a patient with a major depressive disorder who tells the nurse that she is unable to leave her house and stays in bed most days of the week. When planning care for this patient,
what priority nursing diagnosis will the nurse formulate?
1. Chronic fatigue due to depression, as evidenced by the inability to get out of bed
2. Social isolation due to depression, as evidenced by the inability to leave the house
3. Chronic fatigue caused by depression, manifested by the inability to get out of bed
4. Social isolation caused by depression, manifested by the inability to leave the house
Answer: 2
Explanation: The priority nursing diagnosis is social isolation due to depression, as evidenced by the inability to leave the house. While the patient may be experiencing chronic fatigue, this is not the priority nursing diagnosis. All nursing diagnoses are formulated the same way: A problem is identified, and the words "due to" are used, followed by the causative agent. The words "as evidenced by" are then used, followed by the patient's manifestations or presenting symptoms.
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