,NUR 253 Exam 2 – Mental Health Nursing –
Actual Questions & Answers (GCN) 100%
Guarantee Pass
1. A client with major depressive disorder has not eaten
in 3 days. Which nursing diagnosis has the highest
priority?
A) Ineffective coping
B) Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements
C) Self-care deficit
D) Chronic low self-esteem
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Physiological needs (Maslow) are the priority.
Risk for malnutrition and dehydration from inadequate
intake takes precedence over psychosocial diagnoses .
2. A client with depression states, "Life is not worth
living." What is the nurse's priority action?
A) "Don't say that, you have family."
B) "Cheer up, tomorrow is a new day."
C) "Have you thought about how you would end your
,life?"
D) "Why would you say that?"
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Direct suicide assessment is mandatory when
a client expresses hopelessness or suicidal ideation. The
nurse must assess for intent, plan, and access to means .
3. The nurse is caring for a client with major depressive
disorder. Which statement by the client indicates
anhedonia?
A) "I feel sad all the time."
B) "I don't enjoy anything anymore, not even seeing my
grandchildren."
C) "I can't sleep at night."
D) "Everyone would be better off without me."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Anhedonia is the loss of joy or pleasure in
activities once found enjoyable . It is a hallmark symptom
of major depressive disorder.
, 4. A client with persistent depressive disorder
(dysthymia) would have which finding?
A) Depressed mood most days for at least 2 years
B) Episodes of mania alternating with depression
C) Hallucinations and delusions
D) Onset only in older adulthood
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia) is
characterized by depressed mood most days for at least 2
years. Additional symptoms include increased/decreased
appetite, sleep changes, decreased energy, low self-
esteem, difficulty thinking, and hopelessness .
5. A client taking citalopram (Celexa) for depression for
6 weeks reports no improvement in mood. The client's
appetite has improved. What is the nurse's best
response?
A) "The provider will need to change your medication."
B) "Antidepressants often take several weeks to be fully
effective. The improvement in appetite is a positive early
sign."
Actual Questions & Answers (GCN) 100%
Guarantee Pass
1. A client with major depressive disorder has not eaten
in 3 days. Which nursing diagnosis has the highest
priority?
A) Ineffective coping
B) Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements
C) Self-care deficit
D) Chronic low self-esteem
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Physiological needs (Maslow) are the priority.
Risk for malnutrition and dehydration from inadequate
intake takes precedence over psychosocial diagnoses .
2. A client with depression states, "Life is not worth
living." What is the nurse's priority action?
A) "Don't say that, you have family."
B) "Cheer up, tomorrow is a new day."
C) "Have you thought about how you would end your
,life?"
D) "Why would you say that?"
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Direct suicide assessment is mandatory when
a client expresses hopelessness or suicidal ideation. The
nurse must assess for intent, plan, and access to means .
3. The nurse is caring for a client with major depressive
disorder. Which statement by the client indicates
anhedonia?
A) "I feel sad all the time."
B) "I don't enjoy anything anymore, not even seeing my
grandchildren."
C) "I can't sleep at night."
D) "Everyone would be better off without me."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Anhedonia is the loss of joy or pleasure in
activities once found enjoyable . It is a hallmark symptom
of major depressive disorder.
, 4. A client with persistent depressive disorder
(dysthymia) would have which finding?
A) Depressed mood most days for at least 2 years
B) Episodes of mania alternating with depression
C) Hallucinations and delusions
D) Onset only in older adulthood
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia) is
characterized by depressed mood most days for at least 2
years. Additional symptoms include increased/decreased
appetite, sleep changes, decreased energy, low self-
esteem, difficulty thinking, and hopelessness .
5. A client taking citalopram (Celexa) for depression for
6 weeks reports no improvement in mood. The client's
appetite has improved. What is the nurse's best
response?
A) "The provider will need to change your medication."
B) "Antidepressants often take several weeks to be fully
effective. The improvement in appetite is a positive early
sign."
