Depression
Name one common symptom of major depressive disorder.
Sad mood, anhedonia (loss of interest), sleep/appetite changes, fatigue, guilt, poor concentration, or suicidal thoughts.
True or False — Asking a patient about suicide may put the idea in their head.
False. Asking directly shows care and can prevent suicide.
This is a therapeutic communication practice of making time to talk with a client.
Offering Self
What are the two main mood phases in bipolar disorder?
Mania and depression.
What is the mild level of anxiety sometimes beneficial for?
Motivating learning and performance.
Which three neurotransmitters are most associated with depression?
Serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine.
Name two risk factors for suicide.
Previous attempt, family history, substance use, chronic illness, isolation, access to means...
List two non-therapeutic types of communication that nurses should avoid.
Giving advice, false reassurance, changing the subject, making value judgements, asking "why" questions, defensiveness, probing, sympathy rather than empathy, stereotyping, shifting the focus of the conversation tot he nurse, minimizing feelings.
During a manic episode, what is a priority nursing concern?
Safety — risk of exhaustion, poor judgment, or injury.
Name one physical symptom of anxiety.
Sweating, rapid heartbeat, trembling, shortness of breath, dizziness.
What is the priority nursing intervention for a patient expressing hopelessness?
Assess for suicidal thoughts or intent.
What is the most critical action if a patient expresses a clear suicide plan?
Maintain safety — do not leave them alone, notify team, remove means, follow protocol.
Why is silence considered a therapeutic technique?
It allows the patient time to think and express themselves.
Name one hallmark symptom of mania.
Inflated self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, pressured speech, flight of ideas, risky behavior.
What is a priority nursing intervention for a client in panic level anxiety?
Stay with the client and use calm, simple communication.
List one therapeutic communication response for a patient who says, 'I don’t think I can go on anymore.'
‘It sounds like you’re in a lot of pain right now. Can you tell me more about what’s making you feel this way?’
Give one protective factor against suicide.
Social support, family, faith, access to care, sense of purpose.
List three therapeutic communication techniques for nurses.
Active listening, empathy, open-ended questions, summarizing, reflecting, making observations, clarification, focusing, offering self, silence, eye contact, open posture, touch if appropriate
Which medication class is most commonly used to treat bipolar disorder?
Mood stabilizers (e.g., lithium, valproate, carbamazepine).
What is the goal of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for anxiety?
To change negative thought patterns and coping behaviors.
What is one key difference between dysthymia and major depressive disorder?
Dysthymia is chronic (≥2 years) but less severe; major depression is more acute and severe.
What is the first step in creating a suicide safety plan?
Identify warning signs and triggers.
What is the purpose of reflecting or paraphrasing the patient’s statements?
To show understanding and encourage the patient to explore their thoughts further.
What teaching should be provided for a patient taking lithium?
Maintain consistent fluid and salt intake, monitor blood levels, report signs of toxicity (tremor, vomiting, confusion).
Name one difference between generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and a panic disorder.
GAD = persistent worry; Panic disorder = sudden intense fear with physical symptoms.