Claire is a 33-year-old female inpatient with a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder. Last time you worked on this unit several weeks ago Claire was in a low mood and stated "I have no interest in anything." Currently, Claire is presenting as very elated, elevated mood and is very loud yelling "it is so beautiful outside" and laughing. She is dressed wearing bright colours, lots of makeup and a very large sun hat indoors. She is very talkative and you are finding it difficult to have a conversation with her because she is jumping from one subject to another. Her medications are Valproic Acid 750mg PO BID.

 

1.Another nurse asks you if Claire is diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder 1 or 2? How do you explain the difference between bipolar 1 and 2? Support this with a reference.

 2.Claire is presenting with new risky behaviors talking about her plans to tight-rope from one building to another. She tells you not to worry "I'm an expert, nothing will happen to me." You recognize this thought content as what? *tip - look at your MSA.

 3.Claire asks you about medication side effects. She is concerned about gaining weight. What do tell her about her medication? Please support this with a reference.

 4.Claire tells you that taking her medications is hard for her. She says "I love the way I feel when I don't take my pills." How can you support Claire in ensuring medication compliance?

 5.A couple of weeks later Claire is now presenting as calm, settled and her medication has had a positive effect. She tells you "I remember all the things I told you and I am so embarrassed." How do you respond to make sure she still feels supported?

Answer rating: 100% (QA)

1 Bipolar I and Bipolar II Disorders are differentiated mainly by the presence and severity of different types of mood episodes Manic Hypomanic or Dep... View the full answer