Question

Jason is a 22-year-old college student. He has missed several classes and did not turn in a major paper. When contacted by his professor, Jason admits to feeling so depressed that he has not been able to concentrate on his course work and has not left his apartment for several days. His professor expresses concern and suggests Jason go to the campus health center, which takes walk-ins. Jason agrees to go to the campus health center as a condition of getting an extension on the paper. Once there, he tells the nurse he has no appetite and complains of difficulty falling asleep. Jason says he feels guilty for not getting his assignments done and is not doing well in any of his classes. He states he doesn’t know what is wrong with him, he just can’t seem to get motivated and he doesn’t know why. He looked forward to going to college and was excited to be accepted and move away from home for the first time. Jason did very well last semester, and in the beginning of this semester. He was active in several clubs and was thinking of running for the student senate and joining the track team, but recently things just seemed to fall apart. Although Jason has many acquaintances through his classes and activities, he has no close friends in the area. During the intake interview, the nurse observes that Jason sits hunched forward in his chair with his eyes downcast. He becomes tearful at times and never smiles.

1. What is the most important issue the nurse should assess?

2. How would you describe Jason’s affect?

3. What are the physical health priorities for Jason at this time?

4. What additional information would the healthcare providers need to determine the most likely cause of Jason’s depressed mood?

5. What are the considerations in contacting Jason’s family regarding his situation?

6. What sociocultural factors or stressors might be contributing to Jason’s distress?

Answer 1

1) nurse should assess the health condition of jason as he has no appetite and also difficulty in sleep.nurse also should assess the mental condition of jason as he may suffering from a psychological issue like depression.

2) jason may be suffering from a mood disorder or a mental health disorder.These patients keen to suffer from these kind of symptoms like loss of appetite ,sleep etc.These patients overthinks and cant able to motivate themselves.

3) jason should take help of a psychologist or a mental health councelor.jason should be observed by a physician for his problem with loss of appetite and problems with sleep.

4) health care providers should know  the exact time from which jason is having this issue.they also need the help of jason family and friend to know more about the exact reason behind his depressed mood.they should also check wheather is addicted to any drugs etc.

5) jason family should be informed as soon as possible regarding his issue as things may be out of control if delayed.jason need the family support. dont frighten the family ,just inform the family about the issue calmly.

6) jason may be suffered from an abuse , may be because of usage of certain drugs, conflicts with family or friends, sadness due to a death or loss , genitics ,serious illness etc.