A woman is devastated to learn that her husband has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. When discussing the prognosis for recovery for individuals who have bipolar disorder, what statement should the nurse make?
A) With age, the symptoms of bipolar disorder tend to lessen, even without drugs and therapy.
B) Scientists still don't know why some people recover completely, while others don't respond to treatment in any way.
C) The focus of treatment is on managing and accommodating mood swings, which are usually permanent.
D) With comprehensive treatment, most clients with bipolar disorder can function normally.
Question 2
A distraught woman has sought care from her primary care provider because she is worried about her son's patterns of behavior.
She states that he goes through unpredictable cycles of being down in the dumps and then high as a kite. What characteristic of the son's behavior would be suggestive of a diagnosis of bipolar II disorder rather than bipolar I disorder?
A) The son's behavior during his up times is not suggestive of psychosis.
B) The son's moods and behavior change rapidly and apparently without warning.
C) The son's changes in behavior are associated with environmental stressors.
D) The son has a history of heavy alcohol use.