Which consideration(s) will be effective in helping the nurse guide a patient to prevent a return or worsening of depression? Select all that apply

Question

a. Understanding the part neurotransmitters play in depression
b. Establishing realistic expectations for the patient and nurse
c. Focusing on the patient's feelings rather than the nurse's
d. Exploring negative emotions is likely to reinforce them
e. Focusing on positive aspects of life offsets negative thinking
f. Simple activities with a high likelihood of success are desirable

Answer 1

A, B, F
Understanding that neurotransmitter dysfunction is a major causative factor in depression helps reduce self-blame and guilt regarding being depressed. Keeping expectations realistic decreases feelings of helplessness, helps maintain self-esteem, and helps the nurse remain therapeutic. Self-assessment of feelings by the nurse is appropriate and necessary for maintaining objectivity and effectiveness. Exploring negative feelings and experiences, while sometimes painful, is often necessary to resolving them. Focusing on them extensively or exclusively would not be helpful, but they should not be ignored. Depressed persons have difficulty focusing on positive aspects of life; pressing them to do so would not be realistic or therapeutic. Simple activities with a likelihood of success provide nontaxing positive experiences that can enhance self-esteem and contribute to hopefulness.