Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

For a client with major depression who abuses alcohol, what psychological effect should the nurse explain?

1. Increased sociability

2. Agitation

3. Euphoria

4. Enhanced mood stability

The correct answer is: Agitation

In the context of a client with major depression who abuses alcohol, agitation is a psychological effect that can occur due to the interplay of depression and alcohol use. Alcohol, although it may initially seem to provide a temporary relief or escape from emotional pain, is a central nervous system depressant. Its use can exacerbate feelings of anxiety, irritability, and agitation over time, particularly in individuals already experiencing major depressive symptoms. When a person suffers from depression, their emotional state is already fragile. The introduction of alcohol can lead to fluctuations in mood and an increase in symptoms of agitation, restlessness, and frustration. Moreover, the combination of depression and alcohol can create a cycle where psychological distress is heightened, leading to further substance use as a form of coping, which perpetuates the agitation. On the other hand, increased sociability, euphoria, and enhanced mood stability are not typical outcomes for individuals with major depression who are abusing alcohol. While some individuals may experience temporary sociability or euphoria due to the intoxicating effects of alcohol, these feelings are generally short-lived and can give way to more severe mood disturbances, including agitation, in the long run. Enhanced mood stability is unlikely in this scenario because both major depression and alcohol abuse typically lead to