A patient diagnosed with bipolar disorder will be discharged ...

[shofmannx20]

A patient diagnosed with bipolar disorder will be discharged tomorrow. The patient is taking a mood stabilizing medication. What is the priority nursing intervention for the patient as well as the patient's family during this phase of treatment?
 
  a. Attending psychoeducation sessions
  b. Decreasing physical activity
  c. Increasing food and fluids
  d. Meeting self-care needs

Question 2

A patient with diagnosed bipolar disorder was hospitalized 7 days ago and has been taking lithium 600 mg tid. Staff observes increased agitation, pressured speech, poor personal hygiene, and hyperactivity.
 
  Which action demonstrates that the nurse understands the most likely cause of the patient's behavior?
 
  a. Educate the patient about the proper ways to perform personal hygiene and coordinate clothing.
  b. Continue to monitor and document the patient's speech patterns and motor activity.
  c. Ask the health care provider to prescribe an increased dose and frequency of lithium.
  d. Consider the need to check the lithium level. The patient may not be swallowing medications.

[okolip]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
During the continuation phase of treatment for bipolar disorder, the physical needs of the patient are not as important an issue as they were during the acute episode. After hospital discharge, treatment focuses on maintaining medication compliance and preventing relapse, both of which are fostered by ongoing psychoeducation.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
The patient is continuing to exhibit manic symptoms. The lithium level may be low from cheeking (not swallowing) the medication. The prescribed dose is high, so one would not expect a need for the dose to be increased. Monitoring the patient does not address the problem.