NCLEX RN Case Study Screen 1 of 6 The nurse is caring for a 35-year-old female client in the psychiatric unit. The client has been admitted for major depressive disorder with suicidal ideation. Nurses' Notes: 2100: The client is awake, alert, and oriented to person, place, and time. The client reports feelings of hopelessness and expresses thoughts of self-harm. The client has a flat affect and avoids eye contact. Appetite is poor, with the client stating she has not eaten a full meal in three days. The client has not showered or changed clothes in several days. The client reports poor sleep, stating she only sleeps for 23 hours per night. Vital signs: P 88, RR 18, BP 110/70, T 36.5°C (97.7°F), pulse oximetry reading of 98% on room air. Click the findings below that would require immediate follow-up. The client is awake, alert, and oriented to person, place, and time. The client reports feelings of hopelessness and expresses thoughts of self-harm. The client has a flat affect and avoids eye contact. Appetite is poor, with the client stating she has not eaten a full meal in three days. The client has not showered or changed clothes in several days. The client reports poor sleep, stating she only sleeps for 23 hours per night. Vital signs: P 88, RR 18, BP 110/70, T 36.5°C (97.7°F), pulse oximetry reading of 98% on room air.
Case Study Screen 2 of 6 The nurse is caring for a 35-year-old female client in the psychiatric unit. The client has been admitted for major depressive disorder with suicidal ideation. Nurses' Notes: 0700: The client reports persistent feelings of sadness and worthlessness. The client remains in bed most of the day and has little interest in activities. The client has been taking sertraline (Zoloft) for the past three weeks but reports no improvement in symptoms. The client expresses frustration with the lack of progress and states, "I don't think anything is going to help me." Vital signs: P 84, RR 18, BP 112/72, T 36.7°C (98.1°F), pulse oximetry reading of 99% on room air. What immediate action should the nurse take regarding the client's lack of response to medication? 1. Increase the dose of sertraline (Zoloft). 2. Reassess the client in one hour. 3. Document the lack of improvement and continue to monitor. 4. Notify the physician immediately.