The nurse is caring for an older adult client who has reported symptom

The nurse is caring for an older adult client who has reported symptoms suggestive of depression. Which of the following questions asked by the nurse is most therapeutic in assessing the client’s perception of the impact depression has had on her life?

1. “What does it mean to be depressed?”
2. “How does being depressed make you feel?”
3. “Were you happy before becoming depressed?”
4. “What makes you think that you are depressed?”

ANSWER

ANS: 1
Understanding the older person’s concept of depression assists nurses in explaining complemen-tary and alternative treatment measures. Asking how depression make the client feel or whether the client was previously happy are best saved until the client defines depression and is open to the possibility of being depressed. Asking what makes the client think they are depressed could be interpreted as being somewhat threatening and may interfere with the client’s desire to talk about the situation.