Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

Which question might a nurse ask to assess a client for a risk factor for depression?

1. Do you have a family history of cancer?

2. Have you ever felt depressed?

3. Are you currently taking any medications?

4. Have you traveled recently?

The correct answer is: Have you ever felt depressed?

The question "Have you ever felt depressed?" is especially relevant for assessing a client for risk factors related to depression because it directly addresses the individual's mental health status. By asking this question, the nurse is able to gather information about the client’s past experiences with depressive symptoms, which is crucial for understanding their mental health history. This inquiry assists in identifying any prior episodes of depression that could increase vulnerability to future depressive episodes, thereby allowing for an early intervention and appropriate care planning. Understanding whether a client has previously experienced depression can help nurses gauge the severity and duration of those feelings, which is instrumental in determining the risk and necessary support systems for the client going forward. In contrast, while the other questions may be pertinent in other contexts, they do not specifically assess depressive risk factors. Family history of cancer is unrelated to depression, medication inquiries focus more on physical health and prescriptions rather than mental health status, and a recent travel question does not connect to mood or emotional condition. Each of these questions may be relevant in different nursing assessments but do not target the detection of depression risk as effectively as the question regarding past feelings of depression.