Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

What diagnosis is indicated when a client’s chronic depression follows years of crack cocaine use?

1. Primary substance abuse with psychopathologic sequelae

2. Secondary substance abuse due to external factors

3. Independent major depression

4. Situational depression from life events

The correct answer is: Primary substance abuse with psychopathologic sequelae

The correct diagnosis in this scenario is primary substance abuse with psychopathologic sequelae, which indicates that the chronic depression experienced by the client is a direct consequence of their substance use, in this case, crack cocaine. Chronic use of certain substances can lead to long-term changes in brain chemistry, which can result in mental health disorders such as depression. In this context, the term "psychopathologic sequelae" refers to the psychological effects that emerge as a result of substance abuse. These effects may include not only depression but also anxiety and other mental health issues that can arise due to the neurobiological impact of the drug on the individual's brain. The other options point to different causes of depression that do not align with the specifics of the situation. For instance, secondary substance abuse due to external factors would suggest that the substance use is a reaction to outside pressures or stressors, rather than a primary factor leading to the psychological symptoms. Independent major depression would imply that the individual experiences depression without any connections to their substance use, while situational depression would suggest that the depression is solely a response to specific life events rather than a consequence of prolonged substance abuse. Each of these alternatives does not accurately reflect the complex interplay of chronic substance use and the resultant mental