Capella FPX 4015 Assessment 3

Capella FPX 4015 Assessment 3

Student Name

Capella University

NURS-FPX4015 Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, and Physical Assessment: A Holistic Approach to Patient-Centered Care

Prof. Name:

Date

Concept Map: 3Ps and Mental Health Care 

Mental Health Diagnosis

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a mental health condition marked by low mood, sadness, and emotional disturbances (Bains & Abdijadid, 2023). Ivy Jackson is suspected to have MDD, as supported by fatigue, insomnia, and sadness triggered by her recent divorce. Her risk is heightened by psychosocial factors like family history, menopause, and isolation. Early intervention with medications and therapy can reduce symptoms and prevent complications.

Pathophysiology

It involves neurotransmitter imbalances, particularly serotonin (5-HT), dopamine (DA), and norepinephrine (NE). Reduced levels disrupt mood regulation, contributing to sadness, anxiety, and fatigue (Cui et al., 2020). Chronic stress and genetic predisposition further affect the brain structures like the hippocampus and amygdala, impairing emotional processing.

Pharmacological Treatment

Ivy Jackson’s pharmacological treatment is escitalopram, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It increases 5-HT levels by blocking its reuptake, improving mood, and reducing anxiety (Choi & Wakulich, 2023). This medication addresses her persistent sadness, fatigue, and insomnia.

Risk Factors

Risk factors include genetic predisposition, chronic stress, traumatic life events, and a history of mental health conditions (Choi et al., 2023). Ivy’s recent divorce, family history of depression and menopause, poor depressive coping, social isolation, and emotional stress significantly increase her risk of developing the disorder.

Diagnostic Procedures

Diagnostic procedures include a thorough clinical interview (DSM-5), mental health evaluation, and laboratory tests to rule out medical conditions contributing to depressive symptoms. Lab investigations may include thyroid profile, complete blood count, and Vitamin B12 levels, which all remained normal.

Complications

Complications of MDD include chronic depression, functional impairment, social withdrawal, poor hygiene, and suicidal ideation. In Ivy Jackson’s case, if untreated, symptoms triggered by her divorce, and psychosocial risks may result in worsening depression, medication nonadherence, chronic fatigue, and further isolation.

Physical Assessment (Signs and Symptoms)

The signs and symptoms of MDD include persistent sadness, weight loss, sleep disturbances, appetite changes, and psychomotor agitation or retardation (Bains & Abdijadid, 2023). Ivy in this scenario experiences fatigue, resulting in a 10-pound weight loss, and emotional distress following her divorce. Her insomnia, tearful spells, and lack of motivation align with the MDD diagnosis.

Nursing Diagnosis

• Risk for self-harm related to emotional distress, social isolation, persistent sadness, and insomnia.
• Disturbed sleep pattern related to emotional distress, anxiety, and depression as evidenced by difficulty falling asleep and frequent awakenings.
• Ineffective coping related to the recent life stressor (divorce) as evidenced by withdrawal from activities and emotional distress.
• Imbalanced Nutrition: Less Than Body Requirements related to decreased appetite as evidenced by weight loss.

Nursing Interventions

For Ivy Jackson, nurse-related actions include:

• Monitor mental status, sleep hygiene, and medication regularly and assess for suicidal ideation.
• Educate the patient about medications and potential side effects to improve adherence.
• Use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), IPT, behavioral activation, and support groups.
• Provide social engagement and emotional support through community resources.
• Ensure regular follow-ups and provide emergency resources.

References

Bains, N., & Abdijadid, S. (2023). Major depressive disorder. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559078/

Chu, A., & Wadhwa, R. (2023). Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554406/ 

Cui, L., Li, S., Wang, S., Wu, X., Liu, Y., Yu, W., Wang, Y., Tang, Y., Xia, M., & Li, B. (2024). Major depressive disorder: Hypothesis, mechanism, prevention and treatment. Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41392-024-01738-y

Sela, Y., & Levi-Belz, Y. (2024). Nurses’ attitudes and perceptions regarding suicidal patients: A quasi-experimental study of depression management training. Healthcare, 12(3), 284–284. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12030284 

Capella FPX 4015 Assessment 3

Zhang, X., Zhang, Z., Diao, W., Zhou, C., Song, Y., Wang, R., Luo, X., & Liu, G. (2023). Early-diagnosis of major depressive disorder: From biomarkers to point-of-care testing. TrAC Trends in Analytical Chemistry, 159, 116904. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trac.2022.116904