Short term outcomes for depression?

[Achoo!, LPN]

I am writing up a care plan, and my patients main concern is her depression. I used chronic low self esteem as her dx, but need a goal that I can acheive, and I am only there one more day- does this sound okay?

Client will verbalize one positive strength, accomplishment, or value by end of shift?

[dawn1971]

I'd up it to three instead of one, but I think it's a solid goal.

[Daytonite, BSN, RN]

Question. . .how did you get from depression to the patient's low self esteem? Is this why she is depressed? Is there a situation(s) pointing to her depression? Are there other clues to why she is depressed? Just asking. You're the one who has been with her and assessed her, so I can't know.

If you are going to focus on the patient's positive strengths or accomplishments, then I would specifically make outcomes for her that require her to do some thinking and "homework" like this:

• By tomorrow (I say this because you will be seeing her the next day) patient will make a list of a least 5 things she has done in her life that she has completed from beginning to end and list what was most enjoyable about each.
  
• By tomorrow the patient will make a list of 5 leisure activities she enjoys doing and why.
  
• By tomorrow the patient will make a list of 5 people she respects and list one characteristic about them that she admires.

These lists then become the focus for a therapeutic conversation you would have with her the next day.

[Achoo!, LPN]

Thanks for your input. I got to low self esteem by looking up depression in my Ackley nursing dx book. Low self esteem fit her best as the descriptors are indecisive, poor eye contact, passive, excessively seeking reassurance. These dfining characteristics all fit this patient.

[Daytonite, BSN, RN]

Good job! I was just curious since depression can take on many forms. Glad to see you looked at the defining characteristics. Stars for you today! :loveya:

[Achoo!, LPN]

Ha ha thanks! Let's hope my instructor agrees!!