Question

A depressed client is very resistive and complains about inabilities and worthlessness. The best nursing approach is to:

1 Involve the client in activities in which success can be ensured.
2 Listen to the client while postponing a planned activity for later.
3 Encourage the client to select an activity in which there is some interest.
4 Schedule the client's activities so that they can be implemented independently.

Answer 1

The most effective nursing approach for a resistant depressed client feeling worthless is to engage them in activities ensuring success, which helps counteract feelings of helplessness and increase a sense of control.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best nursing approach for a client who is resistant and complains about inabilities and worthlessness due to depression is to involve the client in activities where success is assured. Seligman's learned helplessness model suggests that depression can develop from negative life events that individuals feel they cannot control, leading to a sense of helplessness and lack of initiative. To counteract this, involving the client in simple, structured activities that lead to small successes can help rebuild their sense of efficacy and control, which is crucial in coping with depression. Such activities establish a positive feedback loop where the client begins to feel more capable, thereby potentially decreasing the feelings of worthlessness and improving overall mood.