A depressed client states, 'I can't think.' Which activity should the nurse propose to help assess mood or self-perception?

A depressed client states, 'I can't think.' Which activity should the nurse propose to help assess mood or self-perception?

• A. Read, "The Depression Recovery Book."
• B. Complete a written self-esteem assessment.
• C. Set daily goals in the community meeting.
• D. Review the client handbook about unit therapies.

Answer: (B)

When assessing how a depressed client feels about themselves, you want a method that directly measures mood and self-perception. Completing a written self-esteem assessment does just that by asking the client to rate statements about worth, competence, and overall self-view. The resulting scores give a clear, structured snapshot of how the client perceives themselves, which often links closely with depressive symptoms. This tool also provides a baseline and a way to track changes over time as treatment proceeds, guiding care planning and interventions aimed at improving self-esteem and mood. While reading a depression recovery book, setting daily goals, or reviewing unit therapies are helpful activities, they don’t provide a focused measurement of self-perception or mood to monitor progress.

When assessing how a depressed client feels about themselves, you want a method that directly measures mood and self-perception. Completing a written self-esteem assessment does just that by asking the client to rate statements about worth, competence, and overall self-view. The resulting scores give a clear, structured snapshot of how the client perceives themselves, which often links closely with depressive symptoms. This tool also provides a baseline and a way to track changes over time as treatment proceeds, guiding care planning and interventions aimed at improving self-esteem and mood.

While reading a depression recovery book, setting daily goals, or reviewing unit therapies are helpful activities, they don’t provide a focused measurement of self-perception or mood to monitor progress.