29- Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) - Psychiatric Mental Health (Level Up RN‬)

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEod4sa-qPc&list=PLj9YgcGzjQqxb8eR0DCKHFWt3MEHSz2GY&index=29

Correct Answer: B. Persistent low mood, lack of energy, and absence of pleasure

Explanation: MDD is characterized by persistent low mood, decreased energy, and anhedonia (absence of pleasure).

Which of the following best describes major depressive disorder (MDD)?

A. Episodic mood elevation and impulsive behavior
B. Persistent low mood, lack of energy, and absence of pleasure
C. Anxiety with recurrent panic attacks
D. Chronic depression lasting at least two years

Correct Answer: C. Chronic illness

Explanation: Risk factors include personal or family history of depression, chronic illness, being female, and being unmarried.

Which of the following is a risk factor for developing major depressive disorder?

A. Male gender
B. Married status
C. Chronic illness
D. High socioeconomic status

Correct Answer: C. Lack of pleasure

Explanation: Anhedonia means the inability to experience pleasure.

Anhedonia (but the word that is more common for MDD is “Dysphoria”), a key symptom of major depressive disorder, refers to:

A. Excessive worry
B. Lack of motivation
C. Lack of pleasure
D. Emotional instability

Correct Answer: C. Poor concentration

Explanation: Poor concentration is a common symptom of MDD, along with sleep disturbance, appetite changes, and feelings of worthlessness.

Which symptom is commonly associated with major depressive disorder?

A. Pressured speech
B. Grandiosity
C. Poor concentration
D. Flight of ideas

Correct Answer: B. Two weeks

Explanation: Symptoms must last at least two weeks and interfere with social or occupational functioning.

A diagnosis of major depressive disorder requires symptoms to persist for at least:

A. One week
B. Two weeks
C. One month
D. Six months

Correct Answer: C. Hypothyroidism or medications

Explanation: Medical conditions such as hypothyroidism and certain medications must be ruled out.

Before diagnosing major depressive disorder, the nurse should ensure symptoms are not caused by:

A. Anxiety disorders
B. Personality traits
C. Hypothyroidism or medications
D. Seasonal changes

Correct Answer: C. Persistent depressive disorder

Explanation: Persistent depressive disorder involves long-term depression with less severe symptoms than MDD.

Which depressive disorder is characterized by a chronically depressed mood lasting at least two years?

A. Major depressive disorder
B. Seasonal affective disorder
C. Persistent depressive disorder
D. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder

Correct Answer: C. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder

Explanation: Premenstrual dysphoric disorder occurs in the luteal phase before menstruation.

Severe depression and irritability occurring one to two weeks prior to menstruation describes:

A. Seasonal affective disorder
B. Persistent depressive disorder
C. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
D. Bipolar disorder

Correct Answer: B. Seasonal affective disorder

Explanation: Seasonal affective disorder is linked to reduced sunlight exposure during winter.

Depression occurring during winter months and associated with decreased sunlight is known as:

A. Major depressive disorder
B. Seasonal affective disorder
C. Persistent depressive disorder
D. Cyclothymic disorder

Correct Answer: D. Antipsychotic mood stabilizers

Explanation: Antipsychotic mood stabilizers are not primary antidepressant classes.

Which of the following is NOT a standard medication class used to treat depression?

A. SSRIs
B. MAOIs
C. Tricyclic antidepressants
D. Antipsychotic mood stabilizers

Correct Answer: C. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

Explanation: ECT, TMS, and vagus nerve stimulation are options for treatment-resistant depression.

Which treatment option may be used for treatment-resistant depression?

A. Cognitive reframing
B. Light therapy
C. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
D. Exposure therapy

Correct Answer: C. A multidisciplinary team approach delivered in the community

Explanation: ACT focuses on community-based care for individuals with severe and persistent depression, often with psychosis.

Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) is best described as:

A. Short-term inpatient therapy
B. A medication-only approach
C. A multidisciplinary team approach delivered in the community
D. Emergency crisis intervention

Correct Answer: B. Light therapy

Explanation: Light therapy helps compensate for decreased sunlight exposure.

Which treatment is particularly helpful for seasonal affective disorder?

A. Benzodiazepines
B. Light therapy
C. Mood stabilizers
D. Electroconvulsive therapy

Correct Answer: C. Risk for self-harm or suicide

Explanation: Safety is the priority; suicide risk must always be assessed.

What is the priority nursing assessment for a patient with major depressive disorder?

A. Sleep patterns
B. Appetite changes
C. Risk for self-harm or suicide
D. Medication compliance

Correct Answer: C. Room near the nursing station

Explanation: Patients should not be placed in private rooms; proximity to staff improves safety.

Which room assignment is most appropriate for a hospitalized patient with major depressive disorder?

A. Private room at end of hallway
B. Private room with limited observation
C. Room near the nursing station
D. Isolation room

Correct Answer: C. To prevent saving medications for overdose

Explanation: Patients may discard or hoard medications with intent to self-harm.

Why should nurses closely monitor medication administration in patients with depression?

A. To prevent medication refusal
B. To avoid allergic reactions
C. To prevent saving medications for overdose
D. To ensure correct timing only

Correct Answer: B. Psychomotor retardation

Explanation: Major depressive disorder can cause psychomotor retardation, which presents as slowed movement or speech.

Which symptom of major depressive disorder involves moving or talking more slowly than usual?

A. Anhedonia
B. Psychomotor retardation
C. Flight of ideas
D. Emotional lability

Correct Answer: B. Cognitive slowing and impaired concentration

Explanation: MDD commonly affects cognition, leading to poor concentration and difficulty with decision-making.

Difficulty making decisions in a patient with major depressive disorder is most closely related to:

A. Poor impulse control
B. Cognitive slowing and impaired concentration
C. Manic behavior
D. Personality disorder traits

Correct Answer: B. Sleep disturbances

Explanation: Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia or hypersomnia, are common symptoms of MDD.

Which of the following sleep-related changes is associated with major depressive disorder?

A. Increased need for sleep only
B. Sleep disturbances
C. Sleepwalking
D. Narcolepsy

Correct Answer: C. Variable changes in appetite and weight

Explanation: MDD can cause either increased or decreased appetite and corresponding weight changes.

Changes in appetite and weight seen in major depressive disorder are best described as:

A. Always increased appetite and weight gain
B. Always decreased appetite and weight loss
C. Variable changes in appetite and weight
D. Unrelated to mood symptoms

Correct Answer: C. One-on-one observation

Explanation: Patients at risk for suicide require continuous one-on-one observation to ensure safety.

Which nursing intervention is required for a patient assessed to be at risk for suicide?

A. Hourly rounding
B. Placement in a private room
C. One-on-one observation
D. Restraint use

Correct Answer: C. Make frequent rounds at irregular intervals

Explanation: Irregular rounding prevents patients from predicting observation times and reduces suicide risk.

When conducting safety checks for a patient with major depressive disorder, the nurse should:

A. Round at fixed, predictable intervals
B. Round only during daytime hours
C. Make frequent rounds at irregular intervals
D. Limit interaction to reduce stimulation

Correct Answer: C. Using therapeutic communication

Explanation: Therapeutic communication encourages patients to share feelings and promotes emotional support.

Which nursing approach best supports emotional expression in a patient with major depressive disorder?

A. Giving advice to solve problems
B. Minimizing negative feelings
C. Using therapeutic communication
D. Redirecting conversations away from emotions

Correct Answer: C. Being female

Explanation: The video identifies female sex as a risk factor for major depressive disorder.

Which demographic factor is associated with a higher risk of major depressive disorder according to the video?

A. Being male
B. Being married
C. Being female
D. Being employed

Correct Answer: B. Unmarried individuals

Explanation: Unmarried individuals have a higher risk of MDD compared to married individuals.

According to studies mentioned in the video, which individuals are at higher risk for major depressive disorder?

A. Married individuals
B. Unmarried individuals
C. Adolescents only
D. Older adults only