Bipolar Disorder Flashcards
What is bipolar disorder?
A mood disorder with recurrent episodes of depression and mania.
What is mania?
An exaggerated, elevated mood with an increase in activity/energy.
What is hypomania?
Lower intensity of mania.
What are mixed episodes?
Severe symptoms of both mania and depression within the same week.
What is Bipolar I Disorder?
At least one manic episode with impairment in social and occupational functioning; psychosis can happen and possible hospitalization.
What is Bipolar II Disorder?
Hypomania and more severe depressive episodes.
What is rapid cycling?
Four or more mood episodes in a year.
What characterizes a manic episode?
Feelings of euphoria, impulsivity, high-risk behavior, decreased sleep, grandiosity, and talkative.
What is cyclothymic disorder?
Hypomania + dysthymia for at least 2 years.
During mania, individuals can be…
Manipulative, profane, fault finding, and exploiting others’ vulnerabilities.
What is one huge nursing priority to consider for a patient experiencing mania?
They never sleep or eat which can lead to physical exhaustion.
What are paranoid delusions?
Involve the false belief that other people are plotting to harm the person.
What is the difference between delusions and hallucinations?
Delusions involve false beliefs; hallucinations involve sensory perceptions that are not real.
What is pressured speech?
Nonstop, usually loud, seemingly driven, and usually hard to interrupt.
What is flight of ideas?
Rapidly changing, disconnected thoughts.
What is circumstantial speech?
Adding unnecessary details when communicating with others.
What medical issues can occur with mania?
Dehydration, decreased cardiac status, poor sleep.
What is the priority during the acute phase?
Safety!!
How should you communicate with patients during mania?
Short and concise, firm and calm, remain neutral and nonjudgmental.
What is the therapeutic range for lithium?
0.5-1.5 mEq/L.
What is the toxic level of lithium?
Greater than 1.5 mEq/L.
What are the EXPECTED side effects for lithium?
Hand tremors, polyuria, mild thirst and nausea, weight gain, sedation, cognitive problems, hair loss.
What are the EARLY signs of lithium toxicity?
Increased nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, thirst, polyuria, slurred speech, muscle weakness.
What are the nursing interventions for EARLY signs of lithium toxicity?
Hold medication, measure blood levels, reevaluate dosage.
