Final answer:
In assessing a client expressing hopelessness and depression, a nurse would look for feelings of worthlessness, self-destructive behaviors, and periods of irritability. These symptoms align with major depressive disorder and the concept of learned helplessness as proposed in Seligman's hopelessness theory.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse is assessing a client who talks freely about feeling depressed and states, "Things will never change." This expresses a sense of hopelessness, which could be an indicator of major depressive disorder. When looking for other indications of hopelessness, the nurse would consider the following:
- Feelings of worthlessness: This is a classic symptom of depression, where individuals may feel that they have no value or contribution to make to the world.
- Self-destructive behaviors: These can include any actions that indicate the person may be harming themselves or engaging in risky activities without concern for their well-being.
- Periods of irritability: Although not exclusive to hopelessness, this can be part of a broader pattern of mood dysregulation associated with depression.
In addition to these symptoms, a sense of learned helplessness proposed by Seligman's hopelessness theory could also be a significant contributing factor to the client's depressed state. However, the nurse would not typically associate other symptoms like bouts of anger, preoccupation with delusions, or auditory hallucinations directly with hopelessness in the context of depression, as they may relate to other disorders.