Bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder ( 30 Questions)

A nurse is assessing a patient with bipolar disorder. The nurse observes signs of psychomotor agitation, racing thoughts, and tangentiality. What should the nurse document about the patient's thought process?


Correct Answer: B

Choice A rationale:

Coherence, logic, relevance, and organization. Rationale: This choice is related to assessing the thought process, but it does not accurately address the specific signs described in the scenario: flight of ideas, racing thoughts, and tangentiality. These are characteristic features of a manic or hypomanic episode in bipolar disorder and involve a rapid flow of thoughts, lack of focus, and difficulty maintaining a coherent and organized thought process.

Choice B rationale:

Flight of ideas, racing thoughts, and tangentiality. Rationale: This statement is correct. Flight of ideas, racing thoughts, and tangentiality are indicative of disorganized thought processes commonly seen in manic episodes of bipolar disorder. Flight of ideas refers to a rapid succession of thoughts that may be loosely connected. Racing thoughts involve a constant stream of rapid thoughts, often making it difficult for the individual to concentrate. Tangentiality refers to veering off-topic during conversation and difficulty sticking to the main point.

Choice C rationale:

Themes, topics, beliefs, and perceptions. Rationale: While understanding themes, topics, beliefs, and perceptions is important in a comprehensive psychiatric assessment, this choice does not address the specific signs of disorganized thought processes mentioned in the scenario. Themes and beliefs might be explored during a broader assessment, but flight of ideas, racing thoughts, and tangentiality are more indicative of the manic phase in bipolar disorder.

Choice D rationale:

Signs of delusions, hallucinations, paranoia. Rationale: Delusions, hallucinations, and paranoia are important aspects to assess in individuals with bipolar disorder, but they are not directly related to the disorganized thought processes described in the scenario. Delusions are false beliefs, hallucinations involve sensory perceptions without external stimuli, and paranoia is excessive distrust or suspicion. These symptoms are more characteristic of psychotic disorders or severe mood episodes but are not specific to the described thought process.




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