While Talking with a Patient Diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder

question 14

Multiple Choice

While talking with a patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder, a nurse notices the patient is unable to maintain eye contact. The patient's chin lowers to the chest. The patient looks at the floor. Which aspect of communication has the nurse assessed?

• A) Nonverbal communication
• B) A message filter
• C) A cultural barrier
• D) Social skills

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Definitions:

Major Depressive Disorder

A mental disorder characterized by persistent and severe low mood, low self-esteem, and a loss of interest or pleasure in normally enjoyable activities.

Catatonic

A state of psycho-motor immobility and behavioral abnormality, often found in schizophrenia.

Neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers in the brain that transmit signals from one neuron to another, playing critical roles in mood, thought processes, and body functions.

Unipolar Depression

A major depressive disorder characterized by a persistent feeling of sadness or a lack of interest in external stimuli, without episodes of mania.