Asked by Brandon Byrne on May 22, 2024
Verified
A nurse is caring for an adolescent hospitalized for cellulitis. The nurse notes that the adolescent experiences many "mood swings" throughout the day. How should the nurse interpret this behavior?
A) Requires a referral to a mental health counselor
B) Requires some further lab testing
C) It is normal behavior
D) Related to feelings of depression
Mood Swings
Mood swings refer to rapid and often extreme fluctuations in one's emotional state, without a clear cause.
Mental Health
Refers to the cognitive, behavioral, and emotional wellbeing of an individual; it is about how people think, feel, and behave.
Lab Testing
The process of performing various tests in a controlled environment, usually a laboratory, to analyze substances, diagnose conditions, or conduct research.
- Recognize the normal psychological and emotional developments during adolescence, such as mood swings and cognitive development stages.
Verified Answer
PN
Pham Nguyen Dinh Hai (K14 DN)May 26, 2024
Final Answer :
C
Explanation :
Adolescents vacillate in their emotional states between considerable maturity and childlike behavior. One minute they are exuberant and enthusiastic; the next minute they are depressed and withdrawn. Because of these mood swings, adolescents are frequently labeled as unstable, inconsistent, and unpredictable, but the behavior is normal. The behavior would not require a referral to a mental health counselor or further lab testing. The mood swings do not indicate depression.
Learning Objectives
- Recognize the normal psychological and emotional developments during adolescence, such as mood swings and cognitive development stages.