NURS FPX 4015 Assessment 3 Mental Health Diagnosis Concept Map

Student Name

Capella University

Nurs FPX4015

Professor’s Name

Submission Date

Mental Health Diagnosis Concept Map

Central Diagnosis

A patient, named Ivy Jackson, a 61-year old African American female, is having Major Depressive Disorder (recurrent episode).

Pharmacology

Sertraline or escitalopram are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) due to the existence of an excellent safety profile in older adults. The initial doses are to be low and progressively increase. Follow-up will be done on hyponatremia, orthostatic hypotension and antihypertensive medication interactions (Matsuura et al., 2025). In the case of Ivy, the monitoring is required because of the potential interaction with antihypertensive agents, lisinopril, and hydrochlorothiazide.

Risk Factors

The risk factors present in Ivy include age of more than 60, women, Africans American ethnicity, social isolation, separation from the spouse, chronic hypertension, receiving no medical care, and previous family depression.  The vascular and inflammatory processes have a medical relationship to chronic hypertension with reference to depression (Satapathy et al., 2025).

Pathophysiology

Mal-regulation of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine systems leads to major depressive disorder,, which influences the mood and motivation. Long-term stimulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis leads to an irreversible increase in cortisol that results in a reduction in the volume of hippocampal and worsens the neuroplasticity (Delva and Stanwood, 2021). The risk of depression in the elderly is also caused by vascular changes and inflammatory markers related to chronic hypertension.

Physical Assessment (Signs and Symptoms)

Ivy manifests its symptoms in the form of unremitting fatigue, loss of motivation, depressed mood, and loss of social and physical activity. Poor concentration, reduced decision-making, and hopelessness are cognitive symptoms. There is a tendency of African American adults to report more physical and fewer emotional depressive symptoms that postpones the diagnosis and treatment (Pederson, 2023). Behavior change, including withdrawal and inactivity, is also an indication of functional impairment.

Nursing Diagnosis

The nursing diagnoses of Ivy are chronic low self-esteem because of long-term depressive symptoms, isolated because of the absence of support systems, and not coping, which is evident in the presence of constant psychosocial stress and poor coping. It also has fatigue that has an impact on her daily routine and demoralizes her. These diagnoses present her psychosocial stress level, functional impairments, and mental healthcare history (Luo, 2022). Ivy is also at risk of suicide due to her past history of depression and the manner in which she carries herself, and she requires close watch.

Diagnostic Procedures

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision is utilized in making the diagnosis.

(DSM-5-TR) and validated by the standardized screening tools, such as the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-9. Assessment is the establishment of the degree, length, and impact of the symptoms on daily life (Mesawi, 2025). Suicide risk assessment is also important as adults at the age of 60 years and older tend to commit suicide more than the younger generation.  

Complications

Otherwise, Ivy may acquire an even more serious or incurable form of depression, causing one more functional impairment.  It has the potential to worsen preexisting conditions and can result in dementia and elevate general morbidity (Supportive Care, 2025). High blood pressure can be worsened by the periodic stresses of the mind, and it might increase the risk of heart disease.

Nursing Interventions

The nursing priorities should be regarded as therapeutic communication, frequent suicide risk assessment, medication education, and culturally sensitive care in the case of Ivy. The response to the treatment is supported by education on antidepressants and compliance, and side effects (Solmi et al., 2020). The depressive outcomes may be improved by encouraging Ivy to participate in progressive physical activity and connecting Ivy with community-related support services. The continued collaboration between primary care clinicians and mental health providers assists in improving the quality of life.

For the next assessment of this class visit: Nurs FPX 4015 Assessment 4