Asked by Jessica Garcia on Jun 04, 2024

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A patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder repeatedly tells staff, "I have cancer. It's my punishment for being a bad person." Diagnostic tests reveal no cancer. Select the priority nursing diagnosis.

A) Powerlessness
B) Risk for suicide
C) Stress overload
D) Spiritual distress

Spiritual Distress

A condition where an individual experiences a profound disturbance in their belief or value system, often related to a sense of purpose, hope, or connection.

Risk for Suicide

A situation where an individual shows signs of potentially engaging in self-destructive behavior that could lead to their death.

Powerlessness

A feeling of having no control over one's situation or outcomes, often discussed in psychological and sociological contexts.

  • Acquire knowledge of the symptoms and criteria for diagnosing major depressive disorder and related conditions.
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Patty UykingJun 11, 2024
Final Answer :
B
Explanation :
A patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder who feels so worthless as to believe cancer is deserved is at risk for suicide. Safety concerns take priority over the other diagnoses listed.