Author Question: A patient diagnosed with bipolar disorder is laughing and giddy one minute and seconds later is ... (Read 55 times)

RRMR · **on:** Jul 11, 2018

A patient diagnosed with bipolar disorder is laughing and giddy one minute and seconds later is angry and sarcastic. How should the nurse document the patient's mood?

a. Incongruent
b. Inappropriate
c. Blunted
d. Labile

Question 2

A psychiatric technician says, I get annoyed with patients who self-mutilate over things other people would ignore. I think they just do it to get attention. Select the nurse's best response.

a. Many people feel the way you do. If you are unable to come to terms with the issue, we can transfer you.
b. Self-mutilation is a serious problem. Patients with this personality disorder may complete suicide.
c. We have to consider each case individually. Some are manipulative, and others are serious.
d. You seem to be having difficulty empathizing and remaining nonjudgmental.

miss.ashley · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 11, 2018

Answer to Question 1

D
Lability refers to rapid mood shifts, often seemingly without provocation. This is the only term that fits the description given in the scenario.

Answer to Question 2

B
Every patient is entitled to respectful care. The nurse must respond by teaching the psychiatric technician that what he considers a minor problem is actually a major mental health problem. The nurse should identify the risk for completed suicide. The other options do not capitalize on this teaching opportunity.