Luis, a nursing student, is explaining to his patient the mechanism of action of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). What should he include?

Choice A reason:Sleeping for long periods is more characteristic of the depressive phase of bipolar disorder, not mania. Manic behavior typically involves reduced need for sleep, making this an incorrect choice.

Choice B reason:Spending large sums of money impulsively is a hallmark of manic behavior, reflecting poor judgment and heightened energy typical of the manic phase in bipolar disorder.

Choice C reason:Flirtatious interactions are common in mania, as clients may exhibit increased sociability, disinhibition, or hypersexuality, making this a correct indicator of manic behavior.

Choice D reason:Dressing in black or grey clothing is not specifically associated with mania. Manic clients may choose bright or eccentric clothing, but color preference alone is not a reliable indicator of manic behavior.

Choice E reason:Rapid, continuous speech, often pressured, is a classic sign of mania, reflecting the client’s heightened energy, racing thoughts, and difficulty slowing down their communication.

Choice A reason:Tremors, particularly in the hands, are a common symptom of alcohol withdrawal, often appearing within hours of the last drink. They are caused by the nervous system’s hyperexcitability due to the absence of alcohol’s depressant effects, making this a key manifestation to include in teaching.

Choice B reason:Polyphagia, or excessive hunger, is not a typical symptom of alcohol withdrawal. Withdrawal is more commonly associated with loss of appetite or nausea due to gastrointestinal distress and nervous system dysregulation, so this should not be included in the teaching.

Choice C reason:Nystagmus, an involuntary eye movement, can occur in alcohol withdrawal, particularly in severe cases or during delirium tremens. It is a neurological symptom resulting from the brain’s response to withdrawal, making it appropriate to include in the teaching.

Choice D reason:Seizures are a serious and potentially life-threatening complication of alcohol withdrawal, often occurring within 12 to 48 hours after the last drink. Educating the client about this risk is critical, as it underscores the need for medical supervision during withdrawal.

Choice E reason:Illusions, or misinterpretations of sensory stimuli, are common in alcohol withdrawal, especially during severe stages like delirium tremens. These perceptual disturbances should be included in the teaching to prepare the client for possible symptoms.