Mental Health Mental Health Mental Health

Mental Health Disorders in Women 1. A 32-year-old woman presents with persistent feelings of sadness, fatigue, and anhedonia for the past six weeks. Which of the following symptoms would support a diagnosis of major depressive disorder? a. Increased energy and grandiosity b. Weight loss, insomnia, and suicidal ideation c. Excessive worry and compulsive behaviors d. Episodes of rage and hostility Answer: b. Weight loss, insomnia, and suicidal ideation Rationale: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is characterized by symptoms such as depressed mood, anhedonia, changes in weight, sleep disturbances, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, difficulty concentrating, and suicidal ideation lasting at least two weeks. Grandiosity (a), excessive worry (c), and episodes of rage (d) are more indicative of other mental health disorders. ________________________________________ Substance Use Disorders in Women 2. A pregnant woman admits to frequent alcohol use. Which fetal complication is most associated with maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy? a. Neural tube defects b. Congenital syphilis c. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) d. Down syndrome Answer: c. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) Rationale: Alcohol use during pregnancy can lead to FASD, characterized by growth retardation, facial abnormalities, and neurodevelopmental disorders. Neural tube defects (a) are linked to folic acid deficiency, congenital syphilis (b) is caused by Treponema pallidum, and Down syndrome (d) results from a chromosomal abnormality. ________________________________________ Postpartum Depression (PPD) & Anxiety 3. A new mother reports feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and tearful two weeks after giving birth. Which of the following differentiates postpartum depression from postpartum blues? a. Postpartum depression lasts longer and includes feelings of worthlessness or suicidal thoughts b. Postpartum blues always require medication c. Postpartum blues involve hallucinations and delusions d. Postpartum depression resolves within two weeks without intervention Answer: a. Postpartum depression lasts longer and includes feelings of worthlessness or suicidal thoughts Rationale: Postpartum blues is a transient condition resolving within two weeks, while postpartum depression is more severe, lasting longer, and can include suicidal ideation and feelings of worthlessness. Hallucinations and delusions (c) suggest postpartum psychosis. ________________________________________ Anxiety Disorders in Women 4. A woman with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) asks about non-pharmacologic management strategies. Which intervention should the nurse recommend? a. Limit sleep to five hours per night b. Avoid exercise as it increases anxiety c. Practice deep breathing and mindfulness techniques d. Increase caffeine intake for alertness Answer: c. Practice deep breathing and mindfulness techniques Rationale: Mindfulness, deep breathing, and relaxation techniques are evidence-based strategies for managing GAD. Limiting sleep (a) and increasing caffeine (d) can worsen anxiety, while avoiding exercise (b) is incorrect as physical activity reduces anxiety. ________________________________________ Priority & SATA (Select All That Apply) Questions 5. (Prioritization) A nurse is assessing four postpartum patients. Which patient should the nurse prioritize for immediate intervention? a. A patient who reports feeling sad but is bonding with her baby b. A patient experiencing auditory hallucinations telling her to harm her newborn c. A patient with sleep deprivation and difficulty breastfeeding d. A patient crying frequently due to stress from motherhood Answer: b. A patient experiencing auditory hallucinations telling her to harm her newborn Rationale: Postpartum psychosis is a medical emergency due to the risk of harm to the infant or mother. The other patients may need support but are not immediate safety concerns. ________________________________________ 6. (SATA) Which factors increase a woman’s risk of developing postpartum depression? (Select all that apply.) a. History of depression or anxiety b. Strong social support system c. Unplanned pregnancy d. Previous traumatic birth experience e. Exclusive breastfeeding Answer: a. History of depression or anxiety, c. Unplanned pregnancy, d. Previous traumatic birth experience Rationale: A prior mental health history, stressors like an unplanned pregnancy, and a traumatic birth experience all increase the risk of PPD. Strong social support (b) is protective, and breastfeeding (e) is not a risk factor. ________________________________________ Depression and Suicide Risk 7. A 26-year-old woman with major depressive disorder states, "I don't think I can go on anymore." Which is the most appropriate nursing intervention? a. Encourage her to write in a journal about her feelings b. Ask directly if she has thoughts of harming herself c. Tell her to think about her family and how they would feel d. Encourage her to engage in physical exercise Answer: b. Ask directly if she has thoughts of harming herself Rationale: Suicide risk assessment requires direct questioning. Journaling (a) and exercise (d) may help with mood but are not immediate interventions. Telling her to consider her family (c) may dismiss her feelings. ________________________________________ 8. A woman with a history of bipolar disorder is seen in the emergency department with agitation, rapid speech, and grandiosity. What is the priority nursing action? a. Administer prescribed mood stabilizers b. Provide a low-stimulation environment c. Encourage participation in group therapy d. Confront delusional thinking Answer: b. Provide a low-stimulation environment Rationale: Patients in a manic state need a calm, structured environment. Medications (a) may be necessary but are not the first step. Group therapy (c) is inappropriate during mania, and confronting delusions (d) can increase agitation. ________________________________________ Anxiety and PTSD 9. A woman with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is experiencing a flashback. What is the priority nursing action? a. Reorient her to the present and provide reassurance b. Ask her to describe the traumatic event in detail c. Tell her to "snap out of it" because she is safe now d. Encourage her to express her emotions in writing Answer: a. Reorient her to the present and provide reassurance Rationale: Grounding techniques help patients regain awareness. Forcing them to relive trauma (b) may worsen symptoms. Invalidating the experience (c) is inappropriate, and writing (d) is useful but not the priority. ________________________________________ 10. (SATA) A nurse is educating a patient with panic disorder. Which statements indicate effective learning? (Select all that apply.) a. "I should practice slow, deep breathing techniques." b. "Caffeine and nicotine can make my symptoms worse." c. "Avoiding all stress will prevent panic attacks." d. "Exercise may help reduce my anxiety." e. "I should stop taking my prescribed medication once I feel better." Answer: a. "I should practice slow, deep breathing techniques." b. "Caffeine and nicotine can make my symptoms worse." d. "Exercise may help reduce my anxiety." Rationale: Deep breathing, avoiding stimulants, and exercise are effective strategies for managing panic disorder. Avoiding all stress (c) is unrealistic, and stopping medication abruptly (e) can lead to withdrawal or relapse. ________________________________________