Major Depressive Disorder

Emma Miller is a 40 year old female who came to the hospital because of suicidal thoughts. She was brought to the hospital for a psychiatric evaluation and monitoring for her safety. She is depressed and has no interest in living anymore.

Inpatient Hospital Room

1. Perform a comprehensive mental health assessment, including mood, affect, thought processes, suicidal ideation, plan, and risk factors.
2. Apply therapeutic communication techniques to establish trust and emotional safety with the patient.
3. Administer psychiatric medications safely, including antidepressants, anxiolytics, and mood stabilizers, while monitoring for side effects and adherence.
4. Ensure safety by following hospital suicide precautions, including room setup, observation frequency, and removal of harmful items.
5. Provide compassionate education to the patient about depression, medication purpose, and resources for ongoing mental health support.

1. Accurately assess the patient’s affect, thought content, and suicidal ideation.
2. Establish a therapeutic nurse-patient relationship that fosters trust and promotes openness.
3. Administer psychiatric medications with appropriate education and documentation.
4. Implement suicide precautions based on facility protocols and level of risk.
5. Provide mental health education to the patient and reinforce the importance of ongoing support and treatment adherence.