Psychosocial Integrity Q 20

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The nurse has just admitted a client with severe depression. From which focus should the nurse identify a priority nursing diagnosis?

  

     A. Nutrition

     B. Elimination

     C. Activity

     D. Safety

    

    

Correct Answer: D. Safety

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Safety is a priority of care for the depressed client. Precautions to prevent suicide must be a part of the plan. Depression can be effectively treated in primary care settings using an evidence-based collaborative approach in which primary care providers are systematically supported by mental health providers in caring for a caseload of patients.

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Option A: The client’s nutritional plan can be discussed after his safety has been ensured. Researchers found that a healthy diet (the Mediterranean diet as an example) was associated with a significantly lower risk of developing depressive symptoms.

Option B: Elimination should also be part of the nursing care plan, but this is not the priority. Any psychosocial disturbances can impact on nervous system neuroplasticity and this, in turn, will adversely affect downstream systems including the GIT.

Option C: Activities for a depressed client should be structured and introduced gradually. Teach visualization as a tool to “bring them back down to their bodies” and out of the constant cycle of negative thoughts. Clients learn methods such as the “tree meditation,” in which they imagine themselves as a tree that is growing from the ground and sprouting branches.

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