Depression and Its Impact in Hepatitis C Infection

Before beginning the course, take this quick pre-test to assess what you currently know. Don't worry if you don't know the answers to these questions, just make your best guess. When you are done, you will see a report on what areas you are familiar with and which ones you need to develop. If you don't know any of the material, don't worry—you'll be learning it in the course.

To view your scores, be sure to answer all the questions, then click on the "grade" button at the end of the test.

1. What is a possible risk factor for developing depression associated with interferon?
	A) a family history of mood disorder(s)
	B) a history of two or more psychiatric disorders
	C) both A and B
	D) none of the above

2. Which answer is a correct statement about depression?
	A) Patients with major depression may experience anhedonia.
	B) Symptoms of major depression do not include physical symptoms such as dizziness, muscle tension, or gastrointestinal problems.
	C) Symptoms for dysthymic disorder include rapid onset of acute depression that often spirals into suicide ideation.
	D) It's easy to distinguish between patients who are experiencing normal feelings of occasional sadness and those who exhibit a mood disorder.

3. Why is the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) important to use during treatment for hepatitis C?
	A) The BDI is the only standardized tool that effectively assesses the patient's ability to battle depression.
	B) The BDI is a validated, standardized questionnaire that allows clinicians to objectively measure symptoms of depression and monitor changes over time.
	C) The BDI allows clinicians to avoid having to ask patients sensitive or awkward questions.
	D) The BDI not only assesses suicidal ideation, but also gathers information about the patient's history of mental illness.

4. During interferon treatment, how often should the BDI (or other depression screening instrument) be administered?
	A) every 4 weeks for the first 12 weeks of treatment
	B) twice during the first 12 weeks of treatment
	C) as needed after 12 weeks of treatment, if BDI indicates low levels of depression
	D) both A and C

5. When interviewing a patient to evaluate depression, it is best to:
	A) Use commonly understood terms like "sad" or "blue".
	B) Explain that patients with symptoms of depression must be managed by a psychiatrist.
	C) Ask for recall over short to medium time periods.
	D) both A and C

6. If you are interviewing a patient and he or she is very confused and unable to answer your questions, you need to:
	A) Prescribe medication.
	B) Use more commonly understood terms, such as "sad" or "blue".
	C) Ask to reschedule the meeting.
	D) both A and B

7. If a patient has a BDI score indicating severe symptoms of depression and possible suicidal intent, what should you do?
	A) Immediately call 911.
	B) Obtain more information from the patient about the risk of suicide.
	C) Ensure that the patient does not leave before a mental health professional has evaluated the patient for safety.
	D) both B and C

8. Which of the following are recognized risk factors for suicide?
	A) drinking alcohol heavily
	B) age 80
	C) having a gun at home
	D) all of the above

9. Which of the following statements is true regarding a patient about to begin interferon treatment who has a BDI score of 10 - 18 (mild to moderate depression) and no suicidal ideation?
	A) Interferon cannot be safely prescribed to such a patient.
	B) This patient should be prescribed antidepressants if he or she has symptoms consistent with major depressive disorder.
	C) Educate the patient about risks and benefits of antidepressants and consider starting such medication if the patient is agreeable.
	D) The patient should be assured that his or her symptoms are unlikely to become more severe.

10. Which is a true statement about antidepressant medications?
	A) SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are more effective than TCAs (tricyclic antidepressants such as imipramine).
	B) Citalopram, sertraline, and fluoxetine are SSRI´s.
	C) Side effects and safety of SSRI's and TCA's are very similar.
	D) SSRI's work more rapidly than TCA's.

11. After prescribing antidepressants, if a patient is experiencing insomnia, what should you do?
	A) Discontinue the antidepressant immediately.
	B) Suggest the patient take the antidepressant at night.
	C) Investigate other causes and consider medication for insomnia.
	D) both B and C

12. After prescribing antidepressants, when should the patient have a first follow-up appointment?
	A) within the first few weeks, to make sure symptoms have not worsened before the antidepressants start taking effect
	B) within several days, to ensure the patient is not experiencing severe side effects from the medications
	C) in a month
	D) both B and C

13. Providing patient education about all aspects of treatment (both interferon and antidepressant) can:
	A) help relieve depressive symptoms
	B) make patients feel more in control
	C) increase the chance of following through with interferon treatment
	D) all of the above

14. In addition to prescribing antidepressant medication, you should also do the following:
	A) Pressure the patient to see a mental health professional or join a support group.
	B) Provide the patient with information about the side effects of medication as well as self-help groups, proper diet, and other ways to alleviate symptoms.
	C) Encourage the patient to communicate with you openly about concerns, emotions, and symptoms.
	D) both B and C

<< Previous - page 1 of 1 - Next >>

Orientation

First Patient

Second Patient

<< Previous - page 1 of 1 - Next >>