Mood Disorders Flashcards
What are the characteristics of bipolar disorder
- episodes of mania and depression with periods of normal mood and activity between
What has been the medication of choice for bipolar
- lithium carbonate
What are the considerations for lithium
- can be toxic so it needs to be monitored regularly
- stable intake of adequate sodium and fluid
What are some indicators of mania
- becomes angry quickly
- delusional self confidence
- constantly pushing limits, manipulating and finding fault
- euphoric with intense feelings of well being
- demonstrates little or no inhibition
- detracted by environmental stimuli
- flight of ideas
- grandiose and persecutory delusions
- high and unstable affect
- significant decrease in appetite
- inability to eat or sleep because of involvement in more important things
- unlimited energy
- inappropriate affect
What are two things that other medications may be prescribed for
- reduce symptoms of acute manic episodes
- and maintenance therapy
What may antianxiety medications be prescribed for
- assist in managing the psychomotor agitation characteristics of mania
In what circumstance should antianxiety meds be avoided
- clients with a history of substance abuse
What can atypical antipsychotic meds be prescribed for
- seditive effects
- mood-stabilizing effects
Interventions for mania
- remove hazardous objects from room
- assess closely for fatigue
- provide frequent rest periods and monitor the clients sleep patterns
- use comfort measures to promote sleep
- provide private room if possible
- encourage the client to ventilate feelings
- use calm, slow interactions
- help client to focus on 1 topic during conversation
- ignore or distract the client from grandiose thinking (present reality to the pt.)
- limit group activities and assess the clients tolerance level(solitary activities may be nessessary
- provide high-calorie finger foods and fluids
- supervise the clients choice of clothing
- reduce environmental stimuli
- set limits of inappropriate behavior
- provide physical activities and outlets for tension
- avoid competitive games
- provide gross motor activities such as walking
- provide structured activities or one-to-one activities with the nurse
- provide simple and direct explanations for routine procedures
- supervise the administration of medication
When a patient is being aggressive what can you help him identify
Feelings about:
- frustration
- aggression
Instead of acting out feelings of frustration what can you encourage the patient to do
- talk out their feelings of frustrations
What can you help the patient to identify, leading to aggressive behavior
- events or situations
What can you describe for the patient that will assist them in understanding their behavior
- the consequences of the behavior for self and others
- what can you assist the pt in identifying
- previous coping mechanisms
How can you help the patient to cope with frustration or aggression
- assist the client in problem-solving techniques
