Question

A nurse is planning discharge teaching with a family member of a client who has a new diagnosis of depression. Which of the following information about relapse should the nurse include

a.Additional acute episodes of depression are unlikely following inpatient care.Inpatient care does not guarantee the prevention of recurring acute episodes of depression.
b.Early identification of changes, such as decreased social involvement, is important.MY ANSWERDecreased social involvement is a manifestation of depression, and early identification of findings can lead to early intervention.
c.Medication compliance will prevent further need for inpatient hospitalization.Medication is not always effective for all clients, and the nurse cannot guarantee that additional inpatient care will not be necessary.
d.It is helpful to regularly reinforce to the client that things will get better.Providing false reassurance, such as telling the client that things will get better, can minimize the client's feelings.

Answer 1

In discharge teaching for a new diagnosis of depression, the nurse should provide information about relapse. It is important to understand that additional acute episodes of depression are not unlikely following inpatient care and that early identification of changes is important. Medication compliance does not guarantee the prevention of further need for inpatient hospitalization. Providing false reassurance is not helpful.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should include the following information about relapse in discharge teaching:

• Additional acute episodes of depression are not unlikely following inpatient care. Inpatient care does not guarantee the prevention of recurring acute episodes of depression. It is important for the family member to understand this and be prepared for the possibility of future episodes.
• Early identification of changes, such as decreased social involvement, is important. Decreased social involvement is a manifestation of depression, and early identification of such changes can lead to early intervention and treatment.
• Medication compliance does not guarantee the prevention of further need for inpatient hospitalization. Medication is not always effective for all clients, and it is important to emphasize that the nurse cannot guarantee that additional inpatient care will not be necessary.
• It is important to avoid providing false reassurance to the client. Telling the client that things will get better can minimize their feelings and is not helpful. Instead, the nurse should provide support, education, and resources for managing the illness.