NUR 384 Exam 3
NUR 384 Exam 3 Study Guide Questions
with Verified Answers UPDATED 2025
The nurse educator is lecturing a group of nursing students on depression in
adolescents. Which statement indicates that teaching has been effective?
1. "Adolescents are not likely to suffer from depression."
2. "Depressed adolescents always seek immediate treatment."
3. "Many symptoms are attributed to normal adjustments of adolescents."
4. "Suicide is not common among depressed adolescents." -Correct Answer ✔3. "Many
symptoms are attributed to normal adjustments of adolescents."
When planning care for a depressed client, which correctly written outcome should be a
nurse's first priority?
1. The client will promise not to physically harm self.
2. The client will discuss feelings with staff and family by day three.
3. The client will establish a trusting relationship with the nurse.
4. The client will remain safe during hospital stay. -Correct Answer ✔4. The client will
remain safe during hospital stay.
A nurse administers 100 percent oxygen to a client during and after
electroconvulsive therapy treatment (ECT). What is the rationale for this procedure?
1. To prevent increased intracranial pressure resulting from anoxia
2. To prevent decreased blood pressure, pulse, and respiration owing to electrical
stimulation
3. To prevent anoxia resulting from medication-induced paralysis of respiratory muscles
4. To prevent blocked airway, resulting from seizure activity -Correct Answer ✔3. To
prevent anoxia resulting from medication-induced paralysis of respiratory muscles
Immediately after electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), in which position should a nurse
place the client?
1. On his or her side, to prevent aspiration
2. In high Fowler's position, to prevent increased intracranial pressure
3. In Trendelenburg's position, to promote blood flow to vital organs
4. In prone position, to prevent airway blockage -Correct Answer ✔1. On his or her side,
to prevent aspiration
A client is diagnosed with major depressive episode. Which nursing diagnosis should a
nurse assign to this client, to address a behavioral symptom of this disorder?
1. Altered communication R/T feelings of worthlessness AEB anhedonia
NUR 384 Exam 3
,NUR 384 Exam 3
2. Social isolation R/T poor self-esteem AEB secluding self in room
3. Altered thought processes R/T hopelessness AEB persecutory delusions
4. Altered nutrition: less than body requirements R/T high anxiety AEB anorexia -
Correct Answer ✔2. Social isolation R/T poor self-esteem AEB secluding self in room
A client diagnosed with major depressive episode hears voices commanding self- harm.
Which should be the nurse's priority intervention at this time?
1. Obtaining an order for locked seclusion until client is no longer suicidal
2. Conducting 15-minute checks to ensure safety
3. Placing the client on one-to-one observation while continuing to monitor suicidal
ideations
4. Encouraging client to express feelings related to suicide -Correct Answer ✔3. Placing
the client on one-to-one observation while continuing to monitor suicidal ideations
A nurse assesses a client suspected of having the diagnosis of major depressive
episode. Which client symptom would rule out this diagnosis?
1. The client is disheveled and malodorous.
2. The client refuses to interact with others and isolates self in room.
3. The client is unable to feel any pleasure.
4. The client has maxed-out charge cards and exhibits promiscuous behaviors. -Correct
Answer ✔4. The client has maxed-out charge cards and exhibits promiscuous
behaviors.
A client who has been newly diagnosed with depression is beginning tricyclic
antidepressant therapy. The nurse has just completed teaching with this client. Which
statement by the client indicates the need for further education?
1. "I will continue to take this medication even if the symptoms have not subsided."
2. "I may experience drowsiness or dizziness while taking this medication."
3. "I do not need to quit smoking."
4. "I will stop drinking alcohol now that I am taking this medication." -Correct Answer
✔3. "I do not need to quit smoking."
A nurse reviews the laboratory data of a client suspected of having the diagnosis of
major depressive episode. Which lab value would potentially rule out this diagnosis?
1. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level of 25 U/mL
2. Potassium (K+) level of 4.2 mEq/L
3. Sodium (Na+) level of 140 mEq/L
4. Calcium (Ca2+) level of 9.5 mg/dL -Correct Answer ✔1. Thyroid-stimulating hormone
(TSH) level of 25 U/mL
A depressed client reports to a nurse a history of divorce, job loss, family
NUR 384 Exam 3
, NUR 384 Exam 3
estrangement, and cocaine abuse. Which theoretical principle best explains the etiology
of this client's depressive symptoms?
1. According to psychoanalytic theory, depression is a result of negative perceptions.
2. According to object-loss theory, depression is a result of overprotection.
3. According to learning theory, depression is a result of repeated failures.
4. According to cognitive theory, depression is a result of anger turned inward. -Correct
Answer ✔3. According to learning theory, depression is a result of repeated failures.
What is the rationale for a nurse to perform a full physical health assessment on a client
admitted with a diagnosis of major depressive episode?
1. The attention during the assessment is beneficial in decreasing social isolation.
2. Depression can generate somatic symptoms that can mask actual physical disorders.
3. Physical health complications are likely to arise from antidepressant therapy.
4. Depressed clients avoid addressing physical health and ignore medical problems. -
Correct Answer ✔2. Depression can generate somatic symptoms that can mask actual
physical disorders.
A nurse is planning care for a 13-year-old client who is experiencing depression. Which
medication is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of
depression in adolescents?
1. Paroxetine (Paxil)
2. Sertraline (Zoloft)
3. Citalopram (Celexa)
4. Escitalopram (Lexapro) -Correct Answer ✔4. Escitalopram (Lexapro)
A nurse admits an older client with memory loss, confused thinking, and apathy. A
psychiatrist suspects a depressive disorder. What is the rationale for performing a mini-
mental
status exam?
1. To rule out bipolar disorder
2. To rule out schizophrenia
3. To rule out neurocognitive disorder
4. To rule out personality disorder -Correct Answer ✔3. To rule out neurocognitive
disorder
A nurse is working with a client who has just been prescribed buproprion
(Wellbutrin). Which statement by the client indicates that further education is
necessary?
1. "I will begin using sunblock when outdoors."
2. "If I miss a dose, I will just take two pills the next day to catch up."
3. "I will only discontinue the medication under the guidance of my physician."
NUR 384 Exam 3
NUR 384 Exam 3 Study Guide Questions
with Verified Answers UPDATED 2025
The nurse educator is lecturing a group of nursing students on depression in
adolescents. Which statement indicates that teaching has been effective?
1. "Adolescents are not likely to suffer from depression."
2. "Depressed adolescents always seek immediate treatment."
3. "Many symptoms are attributed to normal adjustments of adolescents."
4. "Suicide is not common among depressed adolescents." -Correct Answer ✔3. "Many
symptoms are attributed to normal adjustments of adolescents."
When planning care for a depressed client, which correctly written outcome should be a
nurse's first priority?
1. The client will promise not to physically harm self.
2. The client will discuss feelings with staff and family by day three.
3. The client will establish a trusting relationship with the nurse.
4. The client will remain safe during hospital stay. -Correct Answer ✔4. The client will
remain safe during hospital stay.
A nurse administers 100 percent oxygen to a client during and after
electroconvulsive therapy treatment (ECT). What is the rationale for this procedure?
1. To prevent increased intracranial pressure resulting from anoxia
2. To prevent decreased blood pressure, pulse, and respiration owing to electrical
stimulation
3. To prevent anoxia resulting from medication-induced paralysis of respiratory muscles
4. To prevent blocked airway, resulting from seizure activity -Correct Answer ✔3. To
prevent anoxia resulting from medication-induced paralysis of respiratory muscles
Immediately after electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), in which position should a nurse
place the client?
1. On his or her side, to prevent aspiration
2. In high Fowler's position, to prevent increased intracranial pressure
3. In Trendelenburg's position, to promote blood flow to vital organs
4. In prone position, to prevent airway blockage -Correct Answer ✔1. On his or her side,
to prevent aspiration
A client is diagnosed with major depressive episode. Which nursing diagnosis should a
nurse assign to this client, to address a behavioral symptom of this disorder?
1. Altered communication R/T feelings of worthlessness AEB anhedonia
NUR 384 Exam 3
,NUR 384 Exam 3
2. Social isolation R/T poor self-esteem AEB secluding self in room
3. Altered thought processes R/T hopelessness AEB persecutory delusions
4. Altered nutrition: less than body requirements R/T high anxiety AEB anorexia -
Correct Answer ✔2. Social isolation R/T poor self-esteem AEB secluding self in room
A client diagnosed with major depressive episode hears voices commanding self- harm.
Which should be the nurse's priority intervention at this time?
1. Obtaining an order for locked seclusion until client is no longer suicidal
2. Conducting 15-minute checks to ensure safety
3. Placing the client on one-to-one observation while continuing to monitor suicidal
ideations
4. Encouraging client to express feelings related to suicide -Correct Answer ✔3. Placing
the client on one-to-one observation while continuing to monitor suicidal ideations
A nurse assesses a client suspected of having the diagnosis of major depressive
episode. Which client symptom would rule out this diagnosis?
1. The client is disheveled and malodorous.
2. The client refuses to interact with others and isolates self in room.
3. The client is unable to feel any pleasure.
4. The client has maxed-out charge cards and exhibits promiscuous behaviors. -Correct
Answer ✔4. The client has maxed-out charge cards and exhibits promiscuous
behaviors.
A client who has been newly diagnosed with depression is beginning tricyclic
antidepressant therapy. The nurse has just completed teaching with this client. Which
statement by the client indicates the need for further education?
1. "I will continue to take this medication even if the symptoms have not subsided."
2. "I may experience drowsiness or dizziness while taking this medication."
3. "I do not need to quit smoking."
4. "I will stop drinking alcohol now that I am taking this medication." -Correct Answer
✔3. "I do not need to quit smoking."
A nurse reviews the laboratory data of a client suspected of having the diagnosis of
major depressive episode. Which lab value would potentially rule out this diagnosis?
1. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level of 25 U/mL
2. Potassium (K+) level of 4.2 mEq/L
3. Sodium (Na+) level of 140 mEq/L
4. Calcium (Ca2+) level of 9.5 mg/dL -Correct Answer ✔1. Thyroid-stimulating hormone
(TSH) level of 25 U/mL
A depressed client reports to a nurse a history of divorce, job loss, family
NUR 384 Exam 3
, NUR 384 Exam 3
estrangement, and cocaine abuse. Which theoretical principle best explains the etiology
of this client's depressive symptoms?
1. According to psychoanalytic theory, depression is a result of negative perceptions.
2. According to object-loss theory, depression is a result of overprotection.
3. According to learning theory, depression is a result of repeated failures.
4. According to cognitive theory, depression is a result of anger turned inward. -Correct
Answer ✔3. According to learning theory, depression is a result of repeated failures.
What is the rationale for a nurse to perform a full physical health assessment on a client
admitted with a diagnosis of major depressive episode?
1. The attention during the assessment is beneficial in decreasing social isolation.
2. Depression can generate somatic symptoms that can mask actual physical disorders.
3. Physical health complications are likely to arise from antidepressant therapy.
4. Depressed clients avoid addressing physical health and ignore medical problems. -
Correct Answer ✔2. Depression can generate somatic symptoms that can mask actual
physical disorders.
A nurse is planning care for a 13-year-old client who is experiencing depression. Which
medication is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of
depression in adolescents?
1. Paroxetine (Paxil)
2. Sertraline (Zoloft)
3. Citalopram (Celexa)
4. Escitalopram (Lexapro) -Correct Answer ✔4. Escitalopram (Lexapro)
A nurse admits an older client with memory loss, confused thinking, and apathy. A
psychiatrist suspects a depressive disorder. What is the rationale for performing a mini-
mental
status exam?
1. To rule out bipolar disorder
2. To rule out schizophrenia
3. To rule out neurocognitive disorder
4. To rule out personality disorder -Correct Answer ✔3. To rule out neurocognitive
disorder
A nurse is working with a client who has just been prescribed buproprion
(Wellbutrin). Which statement by the client indicates that further education is
necessary?
1. "I will begin using sunblock when outdoors."
2. "If I miss a dose, I will just take two pills the next day to catch up."
3. "I will only discontinue the medication under the guidance of my physician."
NUR 384 Exam 3
