Mania

Question 1

Sally, 42 year old female client is admitted with a diagnosis of acute mania. Her husband states that she has not slept, eaten, or drunk for three days. In addition, he says she is very agitated and has been fighting with the neighbours. He also states that she stopped taking her lithium last week. The priority nursing diagnosis for the client would be

Answer 1

Risk to self

Question 2

Which symptom associated with thought flow is the nurse most likely to assess in a person experiencing mania?

Answer 2

Flight of ideas

Question 3

Examples of medications or other psychological conditions which may cause a manic episode?

Answer 3

Organic brain lesions
Thyrotoxicosis (excessive thyroid hormone activity)
Corticosteroids
Antidepressants
Levodopa
LSD
Cocaine
Amphetamines

Question 4

Describe Hypomania

Answer 4

• There is no significant impairment in social or occupational functioning
• No psychotic features or symptoms
• In many cases, there is no need for inpatient admission treatment

Question 5

What hormonal changes can increase mania or hypomania

Answer 5

Increases in serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline