Describe a patient with a mood disorder and the appropriate nursing interventions. Please answer the following questions in your initial posting:
Describe a client from your clinical setting or previous experience who experienced depression or mania. Include a brief history and 3-5 most pertinent medications.
Identify one problem that was not resolved with the treatment regimen. What are the reasons it may not have been successful? Include nursing as well as other team members.
Identify one effective nursing intervention and why you feel it worked.
Overall, do you feel this client was kept safe? Why or why not?
Full Answer Section
The 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 30 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 insomnia. She continued to have difficulty sleeping, even when she was taking medication. This caused her to be fatigued and irritable during the day.
Reasons for Ineffectiveness
There are a few possible reasons why the treatment regimen was not effective in resolving the client's insomnia. 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 causing her insomnia.
Nursing Intervention
One effective nursing intervention that was used to address the client's insomnia was to establish a regular sleep schedule. The nurse worked with the client to develop a bedtime routine that included taking a warm bath, reading a book, and listening to calming music. The nurse also encouraged the client to avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed.
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 in case she experienced a relapse.
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 mood disorders.
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.