A 49-year-old patient is experiencing problems with depression. She has come to the clinic showing signs of malnutrition and fatigue. Which of the following is the nurse's best initial response?
a. "Your depression is somewhat uncommon—can you tell me what has happened recently to cause it?"
b. "Have you recently been experiencing menopausal symptoms?"
c. "Depression is something to expect at your age, and with assistance you will get better."
d. "How much weight have you lost over the past month?"
B
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A Depression is not uncommon during menopause.
B Hot flashes and insomnia may be severe enough to interfere with activities of daily living, and this patient is in the expected age range to be experiencing menopause. The history of fatigue could be related to insomnia.
C Depression is not something to expect, although it can occur.
D Asking the patient about weight loss may be a means to verify depression; however, it is not the best initial response.
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