Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

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Prepare for the Registered Practical Nurse Exam with an immersive quiz experience. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions, all paired with helpful hints and explanations. Start your journey towards certification success today!

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How long must a major depressive episode last to be classified as such?

1 week
2 weeks
4 weeks
6 weeks

The correct answer is: 2 weeks

A major depressive episode is characterized by a specific set of symptoms that must persist for a minimum duration to meet diagnostic criteria. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), for an episode to be classified as major depression, the individual must experience a depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure in nearly all activities for at least two weeks. This duration is significant because it helps distinguish between a transient or situational low mood and a more serious, clinically diagnosed depressive episode. The other timeframes listed do not align with the established criteria and could misclassify the severity and impact of the condition.