Bipolar disorder
Structured condition card with NCLEX priority cues and nursing action focus.
Mental Healthhigh priorityneeds review
Bipolar disorder
Etiology / Pathophysiology
- Mood disorder with manic/hypomanic and depressive episodes.
- Mania increases energy, impulsivity, decreased sleep, and risk-taking.
Medications
| Class | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Antipsychotics | May be used for acute mania or psychosis. |
Nursing actions
- Provide low-stimulation environment during mania.
- Set clear limits and offer high-calorie finger foods if unable to sit.
- Assess sleep, hydration, safety, and spending/sexual risk behavior.
Complications
- Exhaustion
- Dehydration
- Injury
- Suicide during depression or mixed states
NCLEX cues
- Grandiosity, pressured speech, little sleep.
- Do not argue with delusions/grandiosity.
Memory hooks
- Mania needs sleep, safety, and limits.
Labs / Diagnostics
- Trend assessment findings and ordered diagnostics; verify exact values with school source material.
Review notes
- Session-derived study seed. Verify against school materials, ATI/NCLEX review sources, current orders, and facility policy before relying on details.