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?

Choice A rationale:

Increased sleep duration is not a characteristic of manic episodes in bipolar disorder. In fact, decreased need for sleep is a common symptom of manic episodes. Individuals experiencing a manic episode often report feeling restless and having a decreased need for sleep.

Choice B rationale:

Reduced goal-directed activity is not typical of manic episodes. During manic episodes, individuals often exhibit heightened goal-directed activity, excessive energy, and increased involvement in various activities. This can lead to a decreased ability to focus on one task at a time.

Choice C rationale:

Correct Choice In a manic episode, individuals may display a decreased need for social interaction. They might engage in excessive socializing, seek out new social interactions, and exhibit a heightened level of confidence in their ability to engage with others. This increased sociability can sometimes be characterized by rapid speech and impulsiveness in social situations.

Choice D rationale:

Feelings of sadness and hopelessness are not indicative of manic episodes. These emotions are more aligned with depressive episodes in bipolar disorder rather than manic ones. Manic episodes are characterized by elevated mood, increased energy, and a sense of euphoria or grandiosity.

Choice C rationale:

The nurse should emphasize the importance of reporting any side effects to the healthcare provider when educating a patient with MDD who has been prescribed an atypical antidepressant. Side effects can vary from person to person, and prompt reporting allows the healthcare provider to monitor and manage any adverse reactions effectively.

Choice A Rationale:

Choice A (Taking the medication only as needed) is incorrect because atypical antidepressants, like other antidepressants, need to be taken consistently as prescribed. Taking them as needed may not provide the sustained therapeutic levels required to manage MDD effectively.

Choice B Rationale:

Choice B (Taking the medication on an empty stomach) is not a key aspect of medication adherence for atypical antidepressants. While some medications do require administration on an empty stomach, this is not a general guideline for all antidepressants.

Choice D Rationale:

Choice D (Stopping the medication abruptly if side effects occur) is incorrect. Abruptly stopping an antidepressant, including atypical ones, can lead to withdrawal symptoms and a sudden return of depressive symptoms. Discontinuation should be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional and usually involves tapering the dose.

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