A client in the manic phase of bipolar disorder is prescribed ...

[magmichele12]

A client in the manic phase of bipolar disorder is prescribed lithium and has a current level of 0.4. Which clinical manifestation does the nurse anticipate when assessing this client?
 
  A) A decrease in manic behavior.
  B) Hyperactivity and pressured speech.
  C) A return to baseline behavior, calm and rational.
  D) Signs and symptoms of depression.

Question 2

Which client observation indicates that interventions provided to a client in the manic phase of bipolar disorder has improved self-care activities?
 
  A) Completed morning bath and changed clothes
  B) Washes hands after using the toilet
  C) Cleaned liquid spilled on floor but did not change clothes
  D) Brushes own teeth every time when reminded

[sarahccccc]

Answer to Question 1

Answer: B

A therapeutic lithium level is 1.0-1.5 mEq/L. Because this client's level is low, behaviors will indicate mania, that is, hyperactivity and pressured speech. There will be no decrease in manic behavior because the lithium level is too low. The client will not exhibit signs and symptoms of depression, but will continue in the manic phase until the lithium level is within a therapeutic range. The client will not return to baseline behavior, but will continue in the manic phase until the lithium level is within a therapeutic range.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: A

The client completing a morning bath and changing clothes are evidence that the interventions succeeded in improving the client's self-care activities. The client needing to be reminded to brush teeth would not be a successful outcome. The client washing hands after using the toilet may or may not be an improvement. The client cleaning spilled liquid on the floor but not changing clothes is not evidence of improvement in self-care activities.