Investigate and outline the prevalence/incidence of depression

Aim of assessment
The purpose of this guided essay is to enable students to consolidate nursing/midwifery issues covered

in class materials and to determine students’ understanding of the topics and applications, in

preparation for transition into the professional nursing and midwifery workforce. This is a guided

essay based on a case study where the students respond by answering a series of questions.
Details

Using EITHER Scenario A or Scenario B- please answer the following questions:

1. Investigate and outline the prevalence/incidence of depression / anxiety (depending on the

scenario you have chosen) in Australia – Your answer needs to cover: gender, age groups, specific risk

groups, hospitalisations.

2. Using current literature discuss TWO (2) factors that may have contributed to the development

of the client’s presentation and mental health concerns.

3. Using current literature discuss TWO (2) ethico-legal issues related to your scenario.

4. Identify TWO (2) nursing/midwifery concerns / problems with evidence from your chosen scenario-

Your risk identification should be focused on the next 1-5 days of nursing/midwifery care for your

client.

5. For each nursing / midwifery concern / problem you have identified in Question 4, outline and

describe TWO (2) evidence based nursing / midwifery interventions (ie; what you would actually do as a

nurse / midwife to support the person and how you would do it). Your interventions should be focused on

nursing / midwifery care for your client over the next 1-5 days. They must be interventions which you

would actually undertake directly with your client within your role as a nurse or midwife. You are also

required to provide a clear rationale for each nursing / midwifery intervention (ie. why have you

chosen the particular nursing interventions? How will the interventions support the person or

contribute positively to their current presentation or concern?) Each intervention and rationale must

be supported by current literature.

Scenario A – David has been referred to you in the Emergency Mental Health Community Team by his GP.

His GP is concerned about David’s mental health state and risks to self. David is a 23 year old man,

currently living with his mother. Both David and his brother, Peter, have a positive relationship with

their mum. David’s mother and father divorced when he was 15 years old. Before his parent’s divorce,

David had a positive relationship with his dad. However at the time of his parent’s divorce David

became very angry towards his dad. David also directed his anger towards his friends at the time and he

quickly became isolated from his peers, ultimately leaving school at 15 years old, at the end of year

9. David and his older brother, Peter, aged 25, had shared interests of bike riding and computers

during their teenager years. During your meeting with David, he stated that he did feel that he and his

brother had a close relationship and friendship. However, he acknowledged that they had become more

distance in recent years. David has had three past heterosexual relationships lasting several months.

His last relationship finished two months ago. His most recent girlfriend has disclosed she is three

months pregnant and does not wish for David to be involved in the care of the baby.

After leaving school, David had a number of part time labourer jobs. Each job lasted for two to three

months. His most recent employment, over a year ago, was terminated by the employer as a result of

conflict with his colleagues. David had left three of his previous jobs on his own accord as he felt

“he just didn’t fit in”. He recalled a constant feeling of agitation and sadness at the time. During

your contact with David, he has not worked for at least a year. He has contact with his father and

brother every month or so. Many of the contacts with his father and brother end in verbal hostility.

During the assessment with David, you notice he becomes distressed and tearful on your questioning. He

reports recent weight loss. He discloses he has been having difficulties sleeping, feeling exhausted

and increasingly depressed. You make further attempts to find out what has been happening for David and

to engage with him. He asks you to stop questioning as he is ashamed of how he is currently feeling. He

is worried about letting his mum down as they have always had a positive relationship. He declines to

look at you while you ask him about thoughts of suicide. He does not wish for you to have any

discussions with his family.

Scenario B – Tracey is a 35 year old woman who presents for assessment to the Emergency Mental Health

Community Team. She is six months pregnant with her third child. Her other children, to her ex-partner,

are aged three and five. Tracey is in a heterosexual relationship with her partner of one year, Peter.

Peter moved in to live with Tracey and her children eight months ago. The children’s father is

distressed about Peter moving in to live with his children. There is verbal hostility between Tracey

and her ex- partner each time he visits to collect the children for a weekend visit. Her expartner

frequently states he is making arrangements for court to have full time care of the children. Tracey

and her current partner, Peter, are in $35,000 uncontrolled debt after a recent new joint business

venture failed. A finance company calls weekly requesting payment. Tracey and her partner stopped

making the mortgage repayments three months ago, with the belief that dealing with the uncontrolled

debt would be a better option. Her parents are supportive but live in Queensland. Tracey is able to

have face to face contact with them once a year. She does chat with her parents over telephone every

week if possible. Tracey states she is worried about how she will cope with her two children and new

baby. She reports low mood, weekly panic attacks and fleeting thoughts of suicide. During your meeting

with Tracey, you note she is fidgety and restless, breathing rapidly, shaking slightly, sweating and

tearful. She is not wishing to actively engage with the mental health services, for fear it will impact

on her having care of her children, stating she will visit her General Practitioner (GP).