Question

Depression, or major depressive disorder is the leading cause of disability in patients 15-44. It negatively affects the way you think, the way you feel and the way you act towards society. Some symptoms of depression includes feeling sad, trouble sleeping, changes in appetite, feeling worthless and suicidal thoughts. As nurses, its important understand how depression affects the mind and it's reason for onset. " Distinguishing between grief and depression is important and can assist people in getting the help, support or treatment they need." (Torres, 2020). Although, I've never personally treated someone with depression I understand that there are many ways treatment for these patients can go array. Psychotherapy combined with medication suits most depressed patients best, this allows them to decipher their problems and come up with ways to mediate them. Just providing medication without therapy can be one reason a treatment plan is unsuccessful. Some nursing interventions that could be helpful are encouraging the client to express their feelings, this allows the nurse to further understand their patient and allows the client to deal with overwhelming emotions. Antidepressant are prescribed to patients to help modify brain chemistry, they include SSRI's, TCA's and MAOI's. Overall, I believe that patients who only receive medication without some sort of therapy are not safe, they are a great risk for harming themselves because the medication may promote energy before affecting the mood. Referring patients to a psychiatrist will be in the best interest for the patient.

Respond to the above post and explain in 5 sentence if you agree or disagree with how they would handle a client who was having those symptoms. If you do not agree with the post, please provide how they could have approached the client differently.

Answer 1

Handling of a pt with Such symptoms is difficult, they deserve kindness and support throughout the treatment process.

Following measures can be helfull to handle such patients-

1. Use a friendly, but professional tone.

The patient should recognize that you have authority, but not feel as though you are talking down to them. A friendly tone helps in accomplishing this, as it conveys to the patient that you care about them.

2.Keep your focus on the patient's treatment plan, not your opinions.

3. Treat each of your patients in the same manner.

Treating them equally is not only the right thing to do, it can also aid in their treatment process. Eventually, it may make them cooperate better, as well.

4.Make eye contact when speaking to patients.

, Keep your eye contact natural, however, rather than forced. This shows the patient that you are open, honest, and view them as an equal.

5.Make eye contact when speaking to patients.Keep your eye contact natural, however, rather than forced. This shows the patient that you are open, honest, and view them as an equal.