Bipolar Disorder Nursing Concepts

Vocabulary flashcards covering diagnostic criteria, symptoms, phases, and nursing interventions for bipolar disorder based on the lecture transcript.

Manic depressive

The historical term formerly used to describe bipolar disorder.

Bipolar I disorder

A condition diagnosed when a client has at least one episode of mania alternating with major depressive episodes, rendering the client nonfunctioning in daily ADLs and employment.

Bipolar II disorder

A condition diagnosed when a client experiences one or more hypomanic episodes alternating with major depressive episodes, while retaining the ability to function.

Hypomania

An episode characterized by high energy that is slightly below full mania and does not completely prevent client functioning.

Mania

A state marked by extreme energy, euphoria, rapid speech, decreased need for sleep, demanding or manipulative behavior, grand ideas, and high-risk behaviors.

Rapid cycling

A pattern in which a client shifts back and forth between manic and depressive episodes very quickly.

Labile mood

Mood instability characterized by rapid, unpredictable shifts between emotional states such as happiness and depression.

Depressive episode

A period characterized by sadness, fatigue, monotone speech, loss of interest in activities, poor concentration, changes in appetite or sleep, and suicidal ideation.

Finger foods

High-calorie, portable nutrition provided to hyperactive or manic clients who are unable to sit down to eat, helping prevent dehydration and nutritional neglect.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

A treatment that induces a seizure to reset brain activity, used for severe mania and depression when mood medications are ineffective.

Anticonvulsants

A category of medications used to treat acute mania and help stabilize rapid cycling.

Safety

The top nursing priority for clients with bipolar disorder to prevent self-injury from impulsive risk-taking during mania or suicide during depressive episodes.