Therapeutic Nursing Interventions for Depression

1. Which action would the nurse take to encourage a depressed client lying in bed to go to the dining room to eat?

• 1. Send a lunch tray to the client’s room

• 1. Offer to accompany the client to the dining room

• 1. Explain that all clients that are expected to go to the dining room for meals

• 1. Provide information about the importance of eating to maintain health

1. A middle-aged client has lost 20 lb over the last 2 months cries easily, sleeps poorly, and refuses to participate in any family or social activities that she previously enjoyed.

2. Which nursing intervention is the best intervention to implement with this client? 

• 1. Provide the client with a high-calorie, high-protein diet

• 1. Reduce the client’s crying episodes by setting firm, consistent limits

• 1. Assure the client that they will regain her usual function in a short time

• 1. Allow the client to externalize their feelings, especially anger, in a safe manner 

1. A depressed client is brought to the emergency department after taking an overdose of a sedative. After lavage the client says, “Let me die. I’m no good.”

2. Which response by the nurse is most appropriate? 

• 1. “Tell me why you did this”

• 1. “You must have been upset to try to take your life.”

• 1. “Of course you’re good; we’ll take excellent care of you”

• 1. “You’ve been through a rough time; let me take care of you”

1. Which approach by the nurse is most therapeutic when a depressed client resists becoming involved in an activity and complains and claims to be worthless?

• 1. Listen to the client and delay activities until another time

• 1. Involve the client in an activity in which success can be ensured

• 1. Encourage the client to select an activity in which there is some interest

• 1. Schedule the client for activities that can be implemented independently

Which intervention will best accomplish the goal of establishing trust when caring for a depressed client?

• 1. Spend a day with the client

• 1. Ask the client at least one question daily

• 1. Wait for the client to initiate the conversation

• 1. Visit frequently for short periods with the client each day

A nurse has been assigned to work with a depressed client on a one-on-one basis. The next morning the client refuses to get out of bed, saying, "I'm too sick to be helped, and I don't want to be bothered."

Which response by the nurse is the most therapeutic?

• "You won't feel better unless you make the effort to get up and get dressed."

• "I know you'll feel better again if you just make an attempt to help yourself."

• "Everyone feels this way in the beginning as they confront their feelings. I'll sit with you."

• "I know you don't feel like getting up, but you might feel better if you did. Let me help you get started."

A depressed client often sleeps past the expected time of awakening and throughout the day spends excessive time resting and sleeping.

Which nursing intervention is appropriate for this client?

• Restrict the client's access to the bedroom

• Offer the client in a series of relaxation tapes

• Reschedule the client's bedtime to an earlier hour

• Suggest that the client exercise before going to bed

On the day after admission a suicidal client asks a nurse, "Why am I being watched around the clock, and why can't I walk around the whole unit?

Which reply is most appropriate?

• "Why do you think we're observing you?"

• "What makes you think we're observing you?"

• "We're concerned that you might try to hard yourself."

• "We're following your doctor's instructions, so there must be a reason."

Which factor will the nurse consider most important when evaluating a newly admitted, depressed client's current risk for suicide?

• History of suicide attemps

• Lack of interest in appearance

• How long the depression has existed

• Impending anniversary of the loss of a loved one

A nurse stops by the room of a newly admitted depressed client and offers to talk with the tearful client to the evening meal. The client looks intently at the nurse but says nothing.

Which response by the nurse is most therapeutic?

• "I'll be at the desk if you need me."

• "You must tell me what you're feeling now."

• "We'll walk together to dinner when you calm down."

• "It must be very difficult for you to be on a psychiatric unit."