NSG 322 EXAM 1 COMPLETE FINAL EXAM STUDY GUIDE WITH
PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED ANSWERS 2025–2026
Major Depressive Disorder is the __________ cause of disability in the world. More than 300
million people suffer from depression worldwide. - correct answer -leading
Incidence - correct answer -The number or rate of new cases of a particular condition during a
specific time.
Prevalence - correct answer -the total number of cases in a healthy population at any given
time
Depression - correct answer -Second most common chronic condition, second to hypertension.
Leading cause of disability in the world. Only half of those diagnosed, receive treatment
Depression Comorbidities - correct answer -anxiety in 70% of major depression
schizophrenia
eating disorders
schizoaffective disorder
borderline personality disorder
Primary Depression - correct answer -Unrelated to other health problems including psychiatric
disorders
Secondary Depression - correct answer -Related to another medical or psychiatric issue
Why does anxiety often occur with depression? - correct answer -Both of these disorders
involve the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine. Antidepressants are the first line
of treatment for both
,Genetics and Depression - correct answer -Incidence in families, specifically first degree family
members.
Twins: if one is diagnosed, there is a 50% chance the other twin will develop depression
Genes: there are multiple genes involved that may be triggered with abuse or trauma
What neurotransmitters are affected in depression? - correct answer -serotonin and
norepinephrine
Serotonin (5 HT) - correct answer -Inhibitory neurotransmitter, found in the GI tract, platelets
and the CNS. Contributes to well being and happiness.
Derived from tryptophan
Norepinephrine - correct answer -excitatory neurotransmitter that helps with energy level and
alertness. If we have experienced too many stressful events this and serotonin could be
depleted
Depletion of Serotoning and Norepinephrine - correct answer -Inability of the brain to cope
with circumstances such as loss, danger, or problems. Constant stress inhibits the ability to
produce new brain cells
Estrogen and Depression - correct answer -Estrogen may be a contributor to why women are
twice as likely to be diagnosed with depression than men. Affects the sensitivity of serotonin
receptors in areas of the brain that regulate mood
Inflammation and Depression - correct answer -C Reactive Protein and Interleukin 6 are shown
in depression despite no physical injury. Plays a role in depression. Anti-inflammatories may be
used in conjunction with antidepressants to increase their efficacy
, Stress-Diathesis Model - correct answer -Says that while genetic inheritance provides biological
predisposition for psychiatric disorders or depression, stressors elicit the onset of the disease
Aaron Beck - correct answer -pioneer in Cognitive Therapy. Suggested negative beliefs cause
depression.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - correct answer -a popular integrative therapy that combines
cognitive therapy (changing self-defeating thinking) with behavior therapy (changing behavior)
"reframing negative thoughts"
Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) - correct answer -a 30 item self-report assessment used to
identify depression in the elderly
Depression in Older Adults - correct answer --More medical conditions that are associated with
depression (i.e., cardiac, Parkinson's, stroke, cancer)
-Medications with SE of depression
-Older white males age 85 + have the highest suicide rate in the U.S.
-Psychotherapy and medications are effective treatments
- not a normal part of aging
Medication Therapy in Older Adults - correct answer -"start low and go slow"
usually start on half of the adult dose because of polypharmacy, slowing metabolism, and
sensitivity to side effects
Depression in Children and Teens - correct answer -- irritability or anger instead of sadness
-boredom
-changes in grades or attendance
- may act out with substance abuse or sexual acts
PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED ANSWERS 2025–2026
Major Depressive Disorder is the __________ cause of disability in the world. More than 300
million people suffer from depression worldwide. - correct answer -leading
Incidence - correct answer -The number or rate of new cases of a particular condition during a
specific time.
Prevalence - correct answer -the total number of cases in a healthy population at any given
time
Depression - correct answer -Second most common chronic condition, second to hypertension.
Leading cause of disability in the world. Only half of those diagnosed, receive treatment
Depression Comorbidities - correct answer -anxiety in 70% of major depression
schizophrenia
eating disorders
schizoaffective disorder
borderline personality disorder
Primary Depression - correct answer -Unrelated to other health problems including psychiatric
disorders
Secondary Depression - correct answer -Related to another medical or psychiatric issue
Why does anxiety often occur with depression? - correct answer -Both of these disorders
involve the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine. Antidepressants are the first line
of treatment for both
,Genetics and Depression - correct answer -Incidence in families, specifically first degree family
members.
Twins: if one is diagnosed, there is a 50% chance the other twin will develop depression
Genes: there are multiple genes involved that may be triggered with abuse or trauma
What neurotransmitters are affected in depression? - correct answer -serotonin and
norepinephrine
Serotonin (5 HT) - correct answer -Inhibitory neurotransmitter, found in the GI tract, platelets
and the CNS. Contributes to well being and happiness.
Derived from tryptophan
Norepinephrine - correct answer -excitatory neurotransmitter that helps with energy level and
alertness. If we have experienced too many stressful events this and serotonin could be
depleted
Depletion of Serotoning and Norepinephrine - correct answer -Inability of the brain to cope
with circumstances such as loss, danger, or problems. Constant stress inhibits the ability to
produce new brain cells
Estrogen and Depression - correct answer -Estrogen may be a contributor to why women are
twice as likely to be diagnosed with depression than men. Affects the sensitivity of serotonin
receptors in areas of the brain that regulate mood
Inflammation and Depression - correct answer -C Reactive Protein and Interleukin 6 are shown
in depression despite no physical injury. Plays a role in depression. Anti-inflammatories may be
used in conjunction with antidepressants to increase their efficacy
, Stress-Diathesis Model - correct answer -Says that while genetic inheritance provides biological
predisposition for psychiatric disorders or depression, stressors elicit the onset of the disease
Aaron Beck - correct answer -pioneer in Cognitive Therapy. Suggested negative beliefs cause
depression.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - correct answer -a popular integrative therapy that combines
cognitive therapy (changing self-defeating thinking) with behavior therapy (changing behavior)
"reframing negative thoughts"
Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) - correct answer -a 30 item self-report assessment used to
identify depression in the elderly
Depression in Older Adults - correct answer --More medical conditions that are associated with
depression (i.e., cardiac, Parkinson's, stroke, cancer)
-Medications with SE of depression
-Older white males age 85 + have the highest suicide rate in the U.S.
-Psychotherapy and medications are effective treatments
- not a normal part of aging
Medication Therapy in Older Adults - correct answer -"start low and go slow"
usually start on half of the adult dose because of polypharmacy, slowing metabolism, and
sensitivity to side effects
Depression in Children and Teens - correct answer -- irritability or anger instead of sadness
-boredom
-changes in grades or attendance
- may act out with substance abuse or sexual acts
