Mental Health and Psychiatric Disorders

Major Depressive Disorder Practice Questions

20 free Major Depressive Disorder practice questions for the NCLEX Exam, each with the correct answer and a detailed explanation. Open any question below, or take the full set as an interactive quiz.

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Questions

All Major Depressive Disorder questions

20 questions
  1. Q1. According to the DSM-5, how long must core symptoms persist to consider a diagnosis of a major depressive episode?
  2. Q2. Which two symptoms must be present (at minimum) for a diagnosis of a major depressive episode?
  3. Q3. A client states, 'I haven’t enjoyed anything in weeks. I feel hopeless and worthless.' These comments reflect which symptom cluster?
  4. Q4. Which of the following is not a diagnostic criterion symptom of MDD in the DSM-5?
  5. Q5. The nurse knows that major depressive disorder most significantly impairs which areas of functioning?
  6. Q6. In planning a group session for clients with MDD, which content is most appropriate?
  7. Q7. A client reports 'I sleep all day and I can’t get out of bed.' This could indicate which subtype or feature of MDD?
  8. Q8. When assessing for suicide risk in MDD, which statement by a client warrants the highest priority?
  9. Q9. Pharmacotherapy for major depressive disorder often uses which class of medications as first-line treatment?
  10. Q10. A client states during a group: 'I can’t concentrate. My mind goes blank while I’m trying to read.' This symptom reflects which diagnosis element?
  11. Q11. Which of the following symptoms occurring in bereavement could still meet criteria for MDD under the DSM-5?
  12. Q12. Which risk factor most strongly increases likelihood of developing MDD?
  13. Q13. The group nurse notices a member has significant weight loss, early morning awakening, and marked guilt. Which specifier might this reflect?
  14. Q14. Which physical health condition must be ruled out before diagnosing MDD because it may present with similar symptoms?
  15. Q15. In group therapy for clients with MDD, what is a beneficial activity the nurse can introduce?
  16. Q16. A client with MDD says: 'I feel hopeless, like things will never get better.' The nurse responds: 'What gives you even a small reason to hope today?' This is a…
  17. Q17. Which of the following best describes the course of MDD if left untreated?
  18. Q18. An adult group member reports low energy, slowed speech, and nearly daily psychomotor retardation. Which cluster is this?
  19. Q19. Which statement by a client suggests a need for immediate intervention in a depression group?
  20. Q20. In planning discharge teaching for a depressed client, the nurse includes: 'Continue taking the antidepressant for ____ weeks before deciding it isn’t effectiv…