Varcarolis Chapter 14 - DepressiveVarcarolis
Disorders Chapter
_ 2026_2027
14 - Depressive
Exam Review
Disorders
(1).pdf _ 2026_2027 Exam Review (1).pdf Page 1
Varcarolis Chapter 14 - Depressive
Disorders | 2026/2027 Exam Review
Page 1 of 54 Page
Varcarolis
1 of 54Chapter 14 - Depressive Disorders _ 2026_2027 Exam Review (1).pdf
,Varcarolis' Chapter 14 Depressive Disorders.pdf Varcarolis' Chapter 14 Depressive Disorders.pdf Page 2
What is the major reason for hospitalization of the depressed patient?
A. Inability to go to work
B. Suicidal Ideation
C. Loss of appetite
D. Psychomotor agitation
Answer: B
Suicidal thoughts are a major reason for hospitalization for patients with major depression. It
is imperative to intervene with such patients to keep them safe from self-harm. The other
options describe symptoms of major depression but aren't by themselves the major reason
for hospitalization
Page 2 of 54 Page 2 of 54 Varcarolis' Chapter 14 Depressive Disorders.pdf
,Varcarolis' Chapter 14 Depressive Disorders.pdf Varcarolis' Chapter 14 Depressive Disorders.pdf Page 3
Page 3 of 54 Page 3 of 54 Varcarolis' Chapter 14 Depressive Disorders.pdf
, Varcarolis' Chapter 14 Depressive Disorders.pdf Varcarolis' Chapter 14 Depressive Disorders.pdf Page 4
A client admitted with major depression and suicidal ideation with a plan to overdose is
preparing for discharge and asks you, "Why did I get a prescription for only 7 days of
amitriptyline?" The nurse's response is based on what fact?
A. Amtriptyline is very expensive, so the patient may have to buy fewer at a time.
B. The goal is to see how the client responds to the first week of medication to evaluate its
effectiveness.
C. The health care provider wants to see whether any side effects occur within the first week
of administration
D. Amtriptyline is lethal in overdose.
Answer: D
Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA); these drugs are known to be lethal in
smaller doses than other antidepressants. Because the patient had a plan of overdose, the
best course of action is to give a small prescription requiring her to visit her provider's office
more often for monitoring of suicidal ideation and plan. Tricyclics are not known to be
expensive. Antidepressant therapy usually takes several weeks to produce full results, so the
patient would not be evaluated after only 1 week. Side effects are always a consideration but
not the most important consideration with TCAs.
Page 4 of 54 Page 4 of 54 Varcarolis' Chapter 14 Depressive Disorders.pdf
Disorders Chapter
_ 2026_2027
14 - Depressive
Exam Review
Disorders
(1).pdf _ 2026_2027 Exam Review (1).pdf Page 1
Varcarolis Chapter 14 - Depressive
Disorders | 2026/2027 Exam Review
Page 1 of 54 Page
Varcarolis
1 of 54Chapter 14 - Depressive Disorders _ 2026_2027 Exam Review (1).pdf
,Varcarolis' Chapter 14 Depressive Disorders.pdf Varcarolis' Chapter 14 Depressive Disorders.pdf Page 2
What is the major reason for hospitalization of the depressed patient?
A. Inability to go to work
B. Suicidal Ideation
C. Loss of appetite
D. Psychomotor agitation
Answer: B
Suicidal thoughts are a major reason for hospitalization for patients with major depression. It
is imperative to intervene with such patients to keep them safe from self-harm. The other
options describe symptoms of major depression but aren't by themselves the major reason
for hospitalization
Page 2 of 54 Page 2 of 54 Varcarolis' Chapter 14 Depressive Disorders.pdf
,Varcarolis' Chapter 14 Depressive Disorders.pdf Varcarolis' Chapter 14 Depressive Disorders.pdf Page 3
Page 3 of 54 Page 3 of 54 Varcarolis' Chapter 14 Depressive Disorders.pdf
, Varcarolis' Chapter 14 Depressive Disorders.pdf Varcarolis' Chapter 14 Depressive Disorders.pdf Page 4
A client admitted with major depression and suicidal ideation with a plan to overdose is
preparing for discharge and asks you, "Why did I get a prescription for only 7 days of
amitriptyline?" The nurse's response is based on what fact?
A. Amtriptyline is very expensive, so the patient may have to buy fewer at a time.
B. The goal is to see how the client responds to the first week of medication to evaluate its
effectiveness.
C. The health care provider wants to see whether any side effects occur within the first week
of administration
D. Amtriptyline is lethal in overdose.
Answer: D
Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA); these drugs are known to be lethal in
smaller doses than other antidepressants. Because the patient had a plan of overdose, the
best course of action is to give a small prescription requiring her to visit her provider's office
more often for monitoring of suicidal ideation and plan. Tricyclics are not known to be
expensive. Antidepressant therapy usually takes several weeks to produce full results, so the
patient would not be evaluated after only 1 week. Side effects are always a consideration but
not the most important consideration with TCAs.
Page 4 of 54 Page 4 of 54 Varcarolis' Chapter 14 Depressive Disorders.pdf
