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HESI Depression & Mood Stabilizer
Exam Bank: Antidepressants,
Lithium, and Suicide Risk Protocols
Q&A
Table of Contents
Subtopic 1: Clinical Assessment and Nursing Priorities in Depression.............2
Subtopic 2: Pharmacological Management – SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs, and MAOIs. .9
Subtopic 3: Mood Stabilizers – Lithium and Anticonvulsants in Depression and
Bipolar Disorders............................................................................................17
Subtopic 4: Nursing Management of Side Effects and Toxicity Monitoring in
Antidepressants & Mood Stabilizers...............................................................25
Subtopic 5: Suicide Risk Assessment, Legal Considerations, and Safety
Protocols........................................................................................................33
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Subtopic 1: Clinical Assessment and Nursing
Priorities in Depression
Q1. A patient presents with fatigue, anhedonia, and poor appetite. Which
nursing priority is most appropriate during the initial assessment?
A. Discuss long-term treatment options
B. Evaluate the patient’s financial stressors
C. Assess for suicidal ideation and safety risks
D. Educate on the importance of exercise
Correct Answer: C. Assess for suicidal ideation and safety risks
Rationale: Safety is always the first priority in depression assessment.
Suicidal ideation must be identified early to prevent self-harm.
Q2. Which clinical symptom most distinguishes major depressive disorder
from normal grief?
A. Crying spells
B. Fatigue
C. Persistent feelings of worthlessness and guilt
D. Sleep disturbances
Correct Answer: C. Persistent feelings of worthlessness and guilt
Rationale: These are core symptoms of MDD, while grief typically includes
sadness without the same level of guilt or self-loathing.
Q3. A nurse notices a patient with MDD exhibiting psychomotor retardation.
What does this term describe?
A. Increased physical restlessness
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B. Delusional thinking
C. Slowed speech and movement
D. Rapid cycling mood changes
Correct Answer: C. Slowed speech and movement
Rationale: Psychomotor retardation refers to slowed physical and cognitive
processes, often observed in severe depression.
Q4. When assessing a patient with depression, the nurse recognizes
"anhedonia" as:
A. Loss of appetite
B. Inability to sleep
C. Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
D. Feelings of paranoia
Correct Answer: C. Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
Rationale: Anhedonia is a hallmark symptom of depression and must be
documented carefully.
Q5. Which of the following is a psychosocial risk factor for depression?
A. History of childhood trauma
B. Balanced family structure
C. Stable employment
D. Strong support system
Correct Answer: A. History of childhood trauma
Rationale: Early-life trauma significantly increases the risk of depressive
disorders later in life.
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Q6. Which nursing intervention is most effective for managing social
withdrawal in a depressed patient?
A. Encourage journaling
B. Administer antidepressants
C. Involve the patient in structured group activities
D. Suggest independent reading
Correct Answer: C. Involve the patient in structured group activities
Rationale: Group activities help reduce isolation and improve mood through
interpersonal engagement.
Q7. Which lab test is important to rule out organic causes of depressive
symptoms?
A. Serum calcium
B. Liver enzymes
C. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
D. B12 levels
Correct Answer: C. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
Rationale: Hypothyroidism can mimic depressive symptoms and should be
ruled out during initial workup.
Q8. What is the priority nursing diagnosis for a patient admitted with major
depressive disorder?
A. Disturbed sleep pattern
B. Risk for suicide
C. Social isolation
HESI Depression & Mood Stabilizer
Exam Bank: Antidepressants,
Lithium, and Suicide Risk Protocols
Q&A
Table of Contents
Subtopic 1: Clinical Assessment and Nursing Priorities in Depression.............2
Subtopic 2: Pharmacological Management – SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs, and MAOIs. .9
Subtopic 3: Mood Stabilizers – Lithium and Anticonvulsants in Depression and
Bipolar Disorders............................................................................................17
Subtopic 4: Nursing Management of Side Effects and Toxicity Monitoring in
Antidepressants & Mood Stabilizers...............................................................25
Subtopic 5: Suicide Risk Assessment, Legal Considerations, and Safety
Protocols........................................................................................................33
, 2
Subtopic 1: Clinical Assessment and Nursing
Priorities in Depression
Q1. A patient presents with fatigue, anhedonia, and poor appetite. Which
nursing priority is most appropriate during the initial assessment?
A. Discuss long-term treatment options
B. Evaluate the patient’s financial stressors
C. Assess for suicidal ideation and safety risks
D. Educate on the importance of exercise
Correct Answer: C. Assess for suicidal ideation and safety risks
Rationale: Safety is always the first priority in depression assessment.
Suicidal ideation must be identified early to prevent self-harm.
Q2. Which clinical symptom most distinguishes major depressive disorder
from normal grief?
A. Crying spells
B. Fatigue
C. Persistent feelings of worthlessness and guilt
D. Sleep disturbances
Correct Answer: C. Persistent feelings of worthlessness and guilt
Rationale: These are core symptoms of MDD, while grief typically includes
sadness without the same level of guilt or self-loathing.
Q3. A nurse notices a patient with MDD exhibiting psychomotor retardation.
What does this term describe?
A. Increased physical restlessness
, 3
B. Delusional thinking
C. Slowed speech and movement
D. Rapid cycling mood changes
Correct Answer: C. Slowed speech and movement
Rationale: Psychomotor retardation refers to slowed physical and cognitive
processes, often observed in severe depression.
Q4. When assessing a patient with depression, the nurse recognizes
"anhedonia" as:
A. Loss of appetite
B. Inability to sleep
C. Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
D. Feelings of paranoia
Correct Answer: C. Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
Rationale: Anhedonia is a hallmark symptom of depression and must be
documented carefully.
Q5. Which of the following is a psychosocial risk factor for depression?
A. History of childhood trauma
B. Balanced family structure
C. Stable employment
D. Strong support system
Correct Answer: A. History of childhood trauma
Rationale: Early-life trauma significantly increases the risk of depressive
disorders later in life.
, 4
Q6. Which nursing intervention is most effective for managing social
withdrawal in a depressed patient?
A. Encourage journaling
B. Administer antidepressants
C. Involve the patient in structured group activities
D. Suggest independent reading
Correct Answer: C. Involve the patient in structured group activities
Rationale: Group activities help reduce isolation and improve mood through
interpersonal engagement.
Q7. Which lab test is important to rule out organic causes of depressive
symptoms?
A. Serum calcium
B. Liver enzymes
C. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
D. B12 levels
Correct Answer: C. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
Rationale: Hypothyroidism can mimic depressive symptoms and should be
ruled out during initial workup.
Q8. What is the priority nursing diagnosis for a patient admitted with major
depressive disorder?
A. Disturbed sleep pattern
B. Risk for suicide
C. Social isolation
