A nurse who is caring for an older patient with bipolar disorder ...

[audragclark]

A nurse who is caring for an older patient with bipolar disorder knows that the patient needs ad-ditional education when the patient states:
 
  a. Bipolar disorder often results in a level-ing out' of symptoms as one ages.
  b. Relapses in bipolar disorder tend to be precipitated by medical problems.
  c. Older adults with bipolar disorder tend to be rapid cyclers'.
  d. Bipolar disorder is the most commonly diagnosed psychiatric disorder in older adults.

Question 2

How should the nurse reply when an older adult asks, How much alcohol is good for you?
 
  a. Alcohol isn't good for you so avoid it as a general rule.
  b. Experts in the field recommend only one regular sized drink a day.
  c. It's been said that red wine has health benefits, but that doesn't mean drink a whole bottle.
  d. If you are only drinking on special occa-sions, limit yourself to two drinks.

[Eazy416]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
Depression is the most common psychiatric disorder in older adults. Bipolar disorders tend to level out in later life, and individuals tend to have longer periods of depression. Relapses in older adults are usually precipitated by medical problems. Older adults tend to be rapid cyclers, cy-cling from mania to deep depression in a much shorter period of time than they did when they were younger.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Clinically significant adverse effects can occur in some individuals consuming as little as two to three drinks per day over an extended period. Because of the increased risk of adverse effects from alcohol use, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism has recommended that individuals over the age of 65 limit alcohol consumption to no more than one standard drink per day. Although the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) recommends a maximum of two drinks on any drinking occasion (holidays or other celebrations), that option does not address the more pressing issue of the daily consumption of alcohol. The other options do not address the client's question.