The spouse of a patient diagnosed with bipolar disorder asks what evidence supports the possibility of genetic transmission of bipolar disorders. Which response should the nurse provide?
"A high proportion of patients with bipolar disorders are found among creative writers"
"Patients with bipolar disorder have higher rates of relatives who respond in an exaggerated way to daily stress"
"A higher rate of relatives with bipolar disorder is found among patients with bipolar disorder"
"More individuals with bipolar disorder come from high socioeconomic and educational backgrounds"
The correct answer is: c) "A higher rate of relatives with bipolar disorder is found among patients with bipolar disorder."
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: While some studies have suggested a statistical link between creativity and bipolar disorder, this observation does not provide scientific evidence for "genetic transmission." It reflects a possible correlation in phenotype or behavior rather than demonstrating a clear hereditary or genotypic pattern of inheritance for the disorder.
Choice B reason: Exaggerated responses to stress (emotional reactivity) may be a temperamental trait, but it is not specific evidence for the genetic transmission of bipolar disorder. Genetic evidence must specifically link the occurrence of the clinical diagnosis itself across generations within a family tree to be considered valid evidence.
Choice C reason: This statement accurately reflects findings from family, twin, and adoption studies. The risk for bipolar disorder is significantly higher among first-degree relatives of affected individuals compared to the general population. This familial aggregation is the primary clinical evidence supporting a strong hereditary and genetic component for the disorder.
Choice D reason: Socioeconomic and educational backgrounds are environmental and social factors. While early research once suggested a link between higher socioeconomic status and bipolar disorder, these findings have largely been debunked and do not contribute to the scientific understanding of the biological and genetic roots of the illness.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This response uses the therapeutic technique of making observations and offering self. It validates the patient's current emotional state without being demanding. Staying with the patient provides a sense of security and begins the process of establishing rapport during a period of acute emotional distress.
Choice B reason: Setting guidelines and goals is a later stage of the therapeutic process. When a patient is in an acute crisis and manifesting physical signs of distress like sobbing and pacing, they are not cognitively ready to engage in goal-setting or structured planning. Initial stabilization is the priority.
Choice C reason: Telling a patient "Everything is going to be all right" is a form of false reassurance. It dismisses the patient's valid feelings of despair regarding their job loss and can damage trust, as the nurse cannot guarantee the outcome of the patient's external life situation.
Choice D reason: Ordering a patient to stop crying or pacing is non-therapeutic and dismissive. It ignores the patient's physiological and emotional response to crisis. Such a comment can make the patient feel judged and shut down further communication, preventing the nurse from performing a proper assessment.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Histrionic personality disorder is characterized by excessive emotionality and attention-seeking behavior. While their relationships can be dramatic, they do not typically exhibit the same degree of profound "affective instability" or the intense "all-or-nothing" (splitting) dynamic that is central to the diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder.
Choice B reason: Individuals with Avoidant personality disorder are characterized by extreme shyness, feelings of inadequacy, and sensitivity to rejection. Rather than having "intense and chaotic" relationships, they tend to avoid relationships altogether due to a pervasive fear of being criticized or embarrassed by others.
Choice C reason: Antisocial personality disorder involves a pervasive pattern of disregard for the rights of others and a lack of empathy. While their relationships are often exploitative and unstable, they lack the hallmark "affective instability" and the desperate fear of abandonment that characterizes the "chaotic" interpersonal style of BPD.
Choice D reason: Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is clinically defined by a pervasive pattern of instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and affects. The hallmark of BPD is "splitting," where individuals view others as either entirely good or entirely bad, leading to the "intense and chaotic" nature of their social connections.
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