In a patient with chronic renal failure, which statement best indicates anxiety rather than depression?

In a patient with chronic renal failure, which statement best indicates anxiety rather than depression?

• A. My husband has taken over the house cleaning and cooking.
• B. I have an 'uneasy' feeling most of the time.
• C. I fear I am dying.
• D. I do not think I can continue working.

Answer: (B)

In chronic illness, anxiety is shown by a pervasive sense of unease or apprehension, whereas depression is marked by persistent sadness, hopelessness, and diminished ability to function. The statement with a constant uneasy feeling captures this anxious affect directly—a person feels unsettled most of the time, without necessarily expressing hopelessness or an inability to do things. That makes it the best indicator of anxiety. The other ideas lean more toward depressive themes or coping/adaptation. Feeling unable to continue working points to hopelessness or reduced motivation typical of depression. Fear of dying can be part of anxiety but is less specifically diagnostic than a general uneasy feeling. Having a spouse take over house duties reflects adjustment and support rather than a direct mood state.

In chronic illness, anxiety is shown by a pervasive sense of unease or apprehension, whereas depression is marked by persistent sadness, hopelessness, and diminished ability to function.

The statement with a constant uneasy feeling captures this anxious affect directly—a person feels unsettled most of the time, without necessarily expressing hopelessness or an inability to do things. That makes it the best indicator of anxiety.

The other ideas lean more toward depressive themes or coping/adaptation. Feeling unable to continue working points to hopelessness or reduced motivation typical of depression. Fear of dying can be part of anxiety but is less specifically diagnostic than a general uneasy feeling. Having a spouse take over house duties reflects adjustment and support rather than a direct mood state.