Mood Disorders
Which neurotransmitterimbalances are mostassociated with majordepressive disorder?
Low levels of serotonin and norepinephrine
A client says, “I don’t need to worry about life anymore.” What should the nurse do first?
Assess for suicidal ideation and notify the provider
Name 2 priority nursingactions for a patient with severe mania.
Persistent physical symptoms without a medical explanation
What is the primary feature of dissociative amnesia?
Inability to recall important personal information, usually after trauma
Which symptom best characterizes mania?
Elevated mood, grandiosity, decreased need for sleep, rapid speech
A patient presents with anergia, flat affect, and poor concentration. These are clinical manifestations of what disorder?
Major depressive disorder
Name one high-riskdemographic group forsuicide.
Older adult males; veterans; LGBTQ+ youth
Which disorder involves false neurological symptoms such as blindness or paralysis without organic cause?
Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder (Conversion Disorder)
A client experiences two or more distinct personality states. What disorder is this?
Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)
Which medication is the gold standard for bipolar disorder?
Lithium carbonate
What is the first-linemedication class fortreating major depressivedisorder?
SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)
Which medication overdose is most lethal insuicide attempts?
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
Which nursing intervention helps reduce reinforcement of somatic symptoms ?
Focus on feelings and coping, not physical complaints
What is the nursing priority when caring for a client with dissociative fugue?
Ensure safety and provide grounding techniques
What is the therapeutic serum level range for lithium?
0.6–1.2 mEq/L
Which nursing intervention is most important when starting an antidepressant medication?
Monitor for suicidal thoughts, especially in the first 2 weeks
What is a nursing priority when a client is on suicide precautions?
Maintain close supervision (e.g., q15min checks, remove dangerous objects)
Which type of therapy ismost effective for somatic disorders?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
What type of therapy is most often used for dissociative disorders?
Psychotherapy (trauma-focused, cognitive approaches)
Which nursing intervention is most important during acute mania?
Provide finger foods and fluids to maintain nutrition and hydration
Name two key risk factorsfor developing depression.
Family history of depression; major life stressors (e.g., loss, trauma)
Identify 3 warning signs of impending suicide.
Giving away possessions, sudden calmness after depression, verbal hints(“I won’t be here much longer”)
What is a risk factor for developing somatic disorders?
History of trauma, childhood abuse, or high anxiety
Name one risk factor for dissociative disorders.
Severe, chronic childhood trauma or abuse
Name one risk factor fordeveloping bipolardisorder.
Family history of bipolar disorder; stressful life event