A client, who recently completed treatment for cancer, shares with the nurse that she is, "a little depressed, but I guess I will be OK."

Question

The foremost reason the nurse encourages the client to discuss this situation with her primary health care provider is that the nurse realizes that:
1. The depression will not improve by itself
2. The medications can help resolve the depression
3. Depression can decrease the client's chances of recovery
4. The depression is a result of concerns about the cancer reoccurring

Answer 1

ANS: 3
Research has associated depression with decreased cancer survivorship. A study conducted by Brown and colleagues (2003) suggested that a cancer diagnosis and its effects predispose people to distress, which if maintained over time will enhance disease progression.
While depression may not improve by itself, it is not the primary reason for the nurse to encour-age the client in cancer remission to seek medical advice. Chronic depression can adversely affect the chances of long-term survivorship.
While medications can help resolve depression, it is not the primary reason for the nurse to en-courage the client in cancer remission to seek medical advice. Chronic depression can adversely affect the chances of long-term survivorship.
While may be a result of concerns about the cancer reoccurring, it is not the primary reason for the nurse to encourage the client in cancer remission to seek medical advice. Chronic depression can adversely affect the chances of long-term survivorship.