Question

Scenario:

A 28-year-old elementary school teacher begins to exhibit uncharacteristic behaviors such as having multiple sexual partners, engaging in compulsive online shopping, barely sleeping, dressing in a more provocative fashion, and attending frequent “wild” parties. Friends and family report these recent behaviors as “totally unlike her,” describing her as a normally conservative, responsible person. Her cousin, who lives nearby, becomes concerned and accompanies the woman to a Crisis Unit where she is subsequently diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder and admitted to a Mental Health Unit.

Initial Discussion Post:

Address the following:

• What is the priority RN action for this client?
• Which medical concerns may be significant, considering this client’s recent behavior?
• Discuss what the RN would teach the client about Bipolar Disorder.
• Provide two 3-part nursing diagnosis statements that might be appropriate for this client. (Note: Each statement must include an actual NANDA-I nursing diagnosis [no risk-for diagnoses], related factor, and “as evidenced by.”)

Answer 1

1. The priority nursing action is promoting sleep.
2. The medical concern is having multiple sexual partners. This will lead to expose to sexually transmitted diseases.
3. The patient is taught to call the healthcare provider in case of maniac or depressive episodes, medicines should be taken regularly, seek for support when needed.
4. Nursing diagnosis:
• Disturbed sleep pattern related to episodes of delusion secondary to bipolar disorder
• Self care deficit: Dressing and grooming related to depression secondary to bipolar disorder
• Disturbed thought process related to mood alteration secondary to bipolar disorder.