Behavioral pattern.

Full Answer Section

  he client's first episode of depression occurred when she was 18 years old. She was treated with medication and psychotherapy, and her symptoms eventually resolved. However, she experienced several more episodes of depression over the next few years. When she was 25 years old, the client had her first manic episode. She became very talkative, grandiose, and irritable. She also had racing thoughts and decreased need for sleep. She was admitted to the hospital and treated with medication. Her symptoms eventually resolved, but she continued to experience periods of depression and mania. Medications The client is currently taking a combination of medications, including:

• Lithium: A mood stabilizer that helps to prevent both mania and depression.
• Lamotrigine: A mood stabilizer that is also used to treat seizures.
• Olanzapine: An antipsychotic medication that is used to treat mania and psychosis.

Problem One problem that was not resolved with the treatment regimen was the client's suicidal ideation. She had a history of making suicidal threats, and she had attempted suicide once in the past. The client's treatment team was concerned that she was at risk for another suicide attempt, and they worked with her to develop a safety plan. Reasons for Ineffectiveness There are a few possible reasons why the treatment regimen was not effective in resolving the client's suicidal ideation. One possibility is that the medications were not at the correct dosage. Another possibility is that the client was not taking the medications as prescribed. Finally, it is also possible that the client had an underlying medical condition that was contributing to her suicidal ideation. Nursing Intervention One effective nursing intervention that was used to address the client's suicidal ideation was to develop a safety plan. The safety plan included a list of people who could help the client if she was feeling suicidal, as well as a list of coping strategies that the client could use to manage her symptoms. The nurse also worked with the client to identify her triggers for suicidal ideation, and to develop strategies for avoiding those triggers. Overall Safety Overall, I feel that the client was kept safe during her hospitalization. The nursing staff was vigilant in monitoring her for signs of mania or depression. They also worked with the client to develop a safety plan, and they provided her with the resources she needed to manage her suicidal ideation. Additional Interventions In addition to the interventions that were already mentioned, there are a few other things that could have been done to improve the client's care. One possibility is that the client could have been referred to a therapist who specializes in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is a type of therapy that can be very effective in treating suicidal ideation. Another possibility is that the client could have been enrolled in a support group for people with bipolar disorder. Support groups can provide the client with a sense of community and support. They can also help the client to learn more about her illness and how to manage it. Conclusion The client in this case study was experiencing a number of challenges related to her mood disorder. However, she was able to make some progress with the help of her treatment team. The nursing staff was instrumental in providing the client with safe and effective care. Additional Thoughts In addition to the specific interventions that were mentioned, there are a few general principles that can be helpful in caring for clients with mood disorders. These principles include:

Sample Answer

  Cognitive biases are systematic errors in thinking that can lead us to make irrational decisions. They are often unconscious and can be difficult to overcome. There are many different types of cognitive biases, but some of the most common include: