Question

Carol is a 17-year-old high school senior. She will graduate in 1 month and has plans to attend the state university a few hours from her home. Carol has always made good grades in school, has participated in many activities, and has been a pep squad cheerleader. She had been dating the star quarterback, Alan, since last summer, and they had spoken a number of times about going to the senior prom together. About a month before the prom, Alan broke up with Carol and began dating Sally, whom he subsequently took to the prom. Since that time, Carol has become despondent. She doesn’t go out with her friends; she dropped out of the pep squad; her grades have fallen; and she has lost 10 pounds. She attends classes most of the time, but evenings and weekends she spends in her room alone listening to her music, crying, and sleeping. Her parents have become very concerned and contacted the family physician, who has had Carol admitted to the psychiatric unit of the local hospital. The admitting psychiatrist has made the diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder. Carol tells the nurse, “Sometimes I drive around and try to find Alan and Sally. I don’t know why he broke up with me. I hate myself! I just want to die!”

Answer the following question related to Carol: Remember to include in-text citations and your references at the end

1.Does Carol meet the DSM 5 criteria for the diagnosis of Major Depression? Explain your answer.

2.What is the priority nursing diagnosis that is identified for Carol?

3.What are important nursing assessment that must be made related to the priority nursing diagnosis?

4.Was Carol’s commitment to the psychiatric unit justified? Explain your answer What medication might the physician order for Carol? Explain you answer.

Answer 1

Q1). As per the following five observations, Carol meets the DSM 5 criteria for the diagnosis of Major Depression:

1. Lost 10 pounds body weight in one month

2. Showing lack of interest in regular activities, for example, not going out with friends, dropped out of the pep squad

3. Being in the depressive mood almost every day - not going out and spending in the room alone during evenings and weekends (sleeping, crying, and listening to music)

4. Lack of concentration (fallen grades)

5. Feeling worthless and suicidal thoughts