A nurse is assessing a patient with bipolar disorder. Which aspect of the patient's psychosocial status should the nurse evaluate during the assessment?

Physical vital signs and body mass index.

The patient's medication history and laboratory tests.

The quality, intensity, and range of emotional expression.

The patient's social and emotional well-being.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A rationale:

Physical vital signs and body mass index (BMI) are important indicators of the patient's physical health. However, when assessing a patient with bipolar disorder, the focus should be on their psychosocial status rather than their physical health. Bipolar disorder primarily affects mood and emotions, so evaluating physical vital signs and BMI might not provide relevant information about the patient's psychosocial well-being.

Choice B rationale:

The patient's medication history and laboratory tests are crucial for understanding their medical treatment and potential physiological factors contributing to their bipolar disorder. However, this choice emphasizes the medical aspect rather than the psychosocial aspect of the patient's condition. While medication history and lab tests are important, they do not directly address the psychosocial evaluation that is required for understanding emotional expression in bipolar disorder.

Choice C rationale:

This is the correct choice. Bipolar disorder involves significant mood swings, from manic to depressive episodes. Assessing the quality, intensity, and range of emotional expression is essential to understand the patient's current emotional state, which is a fundamental aspect of their psychosocial well-being. It provides insight into potential mood fluctuations, which are characteristic of bipolar disorder.

Choice D rationale:

Social and emotional well-being is indeed crucial for individuals with bipolar disorder. However, this choice is too broad and general. The question specifically asks for an aspect related to psychosocial status that should be evaluated during the assessment. Choice C provides a more specific and relevant focus on emotional expression, which is directly tied to bipolar disorder symptoms.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The correct answer is Choice C.

Choice A rationale: This response is not appropriate as rating a mood as 9 indicates a very high mood, possibly hypomania or mania, rather than stability.

Choice B rationale: This response incorrectly interprets the client's rating. A 9 indicates a high mood, not a low one.

Choice C rationale: Asking the client to explain why they rated their mood so high allows the nurse to gather more information about the client's current state and any possible symptoms of mania.

Choice D rationale: This response is incorrect as a mood rating of 9 indicates a high mood, not depression.

A. "Don't worry, things will get better soon.". B. "I know how you feel. I've been there too.". C. "It sounds like you're feeling really hopeless right now.". D. "You need to focus on the positive aspects of life.".

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice C rationale:

Responding with, "It sounds like you're feeling really hopeless right now," is an empathetic and therapeutic response. It reflects active listening and shows that the nurse acknowledges the client's feelings without making assumptions or offering false reassurance. This response validates the client's emotions and opens the door for further discussion, potentially leading to better understanding and support.

Choice A rationale:

Responding with, "Don't worry, things will get better soon," is dismissive and invalidating. It minimizes the client's feelings and offers premature reassurance without addressing the client's current emotional state.

Choice B rationale:

Responding with, "I know how you feel. I've been there too," shifts the focus from the client to the nurse. While sharing personal experiences can be helpful in certain contexts, it's important to prioritize the client's emotions and experiences first.

Choice D rationale:

Responding with, "You need to focus on the positive aspects of life," is directive and dismissive of the client's emotions. It implies that the client's feelings are invalid and suggests a solution without fully understanding the client's perspective.

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A nurse is assessing a patient with bipolar disorder. Which aspect of the patient's psychosocial status should the nurse evaluate during the assessment?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client with bipolar disorder rates their mood as 9 on a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 is the lowest and 10 is the highest. What could the nurse say to the client in this situation?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A client with MDD tells the nurse, "I just can't see any way out of this. Life is hopeless." Which therapeutic response should the nurse provide?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is providing education to a group of nursing students about the signs and symptoms of manic episodes in bipolar disorder. Which of the following statements accurately describes a characteristic of a manic episode?

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