Nursing Interventions
There are several phases in which bipolar disorder may be managed, the acute phase, the continuation phase, and the maintenance phase. Prioritizing nursing interventions can be set according to the most immediate attention needed for patient safety. The acute phase focuses on injury prevention; therefore, the first intervention should prioritize the patient’s physiological status. Manic episodes may result in a lack of nutrition and sleep, which can lead to exhaustion, dehydration, and cardiac collapse. Patients must be offered frequent rest and provided with plenty of fluids and foods high in caloric and protein values to prevent dehydration and replenish lost calories. Supervision may be required to remind patients to …show more content…
Family members can learn to create an environment that is beneficial for the patient, such as maintaining healthy sleep patterns, reinforcing positive communication, and reducing exposure to stimuli. Patients and family should be taught that although episodes can occur spontaneously, substance use, over-the-counter medications, and caffeine might result in relapse, so recognition of behaviors leading up to episodes can be helpful. In the event of acute episodes, emergency contact information should be kept in an easily accessible area. Referrals to follow-up therapy and community support groups may be beneficial to help of prevent episode recurrence. Psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), helps to identify maladaptive thoughts and behaviors in order for patients to increase coping skills, and to focus on the importance of medication adherence. Support groups such as the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) can help patients, friends, and family participate in recovery (Book, …show more content…
I could not say it is worse than any other mental illness, but I believe that because it shares many symptoms from other disorders that it is extremely difficult to deal with as a diagnosed person. Both films have shown examples bipolar episodes, but I think Of Two Minds illustrated the consequences of the disorder much more clearly, focusing on awareness and potential outcomes of the disease, which reinforces the fact that treatment is a necessity. Bipolar Disorders mentioned that there are patients who may refuse treatment because they enjoy their manic phase, but I feel it is important for patients to understand that their episodes should be managed with medication, support, therapy, and stress management in order to prevent further consequences and remain functional in society. Both films have taught me that patient recovery is only as successful to their commitment to treatment, so I believe that quality care provided by hospital staff would be the first step towards that goal. I feel that nurses have a greater role in building a good rapport with the patient to make sure they feel safe and assured that recovery is
There are several phases in which bipolar disorder may be managed, the acute phase, the continuation phase, and the maintenance phase. Prioritizing nursing interventions can be set according to the most immediate attention needed for patient safety. The acute phase focuses on injury prevention; therefore, the first intervention should prioritize the patient’s physiological status. Manic episodes may result in a lack of nutrition and sleep, which can lead to exhaustion, dehydration, and cardiac collapse. Patients must be offered frequent rest and provided with plenty of fluids and foods high in caloric and protein values to prevent dehydration and replenish lost calories. Supervision may be required to remind patients to …show more content…
Family members can learn to create an environment that is beneficial for the patient, such as maintaining healthy sleep patterns, reinforcing positive communication, and reducing exposure to stimuli. Patients and family should be taught that although episodes can occur spontaneously, substance use, over-the-counter medications, and caffeine might result in relapse, so recognition of behaviors leading up to episodes can be helpful. In the event of acute episodes, emergency contact information should be kept in an easily accessible area. Referrals to follow-up therapy and community support groups may be beneficial to help of prevent episode recurrence. Psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), helps to identify maladaptive thoughts and behaviors in order for patients to increase coping skills, and to focus on the importance of medication adherence. Support groups such as the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) can help patients, friends, and family participate in recovery (Book, …show more content…
I could not say it is worse than any other mental illness, but I believe that because it shares many symptoms from other disorders that it is extremely difficult to deal with as a diagnosed person. Both films have shown examples bipolar episodes, but I think Of Two Minds illustrated the consequences of the disorder much more clearly, focusing on awareness and potential outcomes of the disease, which reinforces the fact that treatment is a necessity. Bipolar Disorders mentioned that there are patients who may refuse treatment because they enjoy their manic phase, but I feel it is important for patients to understand that their episodes should be managed with medication, support, therapy, and stress management in order to prevent further consequences and remain functional in society. Both films have taught me that patient recovery is only as successful to their commitment to treatment, so I believe that quality care provided by hospital staff would be the first step towards that goal. I feel that nurses have a greater role in building a good rapport with the patient to make sure they feel safe and assured that recovery is