Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

What risk increases for a patient recovering from a depressive episode as their energy levels rise?

1. Increased appetite

2. Greater risk for substance abuse

3. Greater risk for suicide

4. Increased social interactions

The correct answer is: Greater risk for suicide

As a patient recovering from a depressive episode begins to regain energy, their emotional and psychological state may also shift. This newfound energy can lead to an increased ability to act on underlying suicidal thoughts or plans that may have been suppressed during the depressive phase. In some cases, as individuals experience improved energy levels, they may also become more capable of carrying out suicidal intentions, making this a significant concern during recovery. Clinicians often monitor patients closely during this transitional period because a rise in energy may not always accompany an improvement in mood. Thus, the paradox where a seemingly better state could correlate with an increased risk underscores the importance of vigilance in mental health care. The other potential outcomes, such as increased appetite, greater risk for substance abuse, or increased social interactions, while they may occur as a patient’s condition improves, do not carry the same immediate risk as the possibility of suicide in this context.