Varcarolis Chapter 13 Bipolar and Related Disorders Study Guide and Practice Questions Page 1 2026-03-20
Varcarolis Chapter 13
Bipolar and Related
Disorders Study Guide and
Practice Questions
Guidehttps://www.stuvia.com/dashboard!@_)#*)(@$)($@*($@)($@*_1 of 34
Page 1 of 34 Varcarolis Chapter 13 Bipolar and Related Disorders Study Guide and Practice Questions.pdf
,Varcarolis_ Chapter 13 - Bipolar and Related Disorders Page 2 2026-03-20
A person was online continuously for over 24 hours, posting rhymes on official government web-sites and inviting
politicians to join social networks. The person has not slept or eaten for 3 days. What features of mania are evident?
a. Increased muscle tension and anxiety
b. Vegetative signs and poor grooming
c. Poor judgment and hyperactivity
d. Cognitive deficits and paranoia
ANS: C
Hyperactivity (activity without sleep) and poor judgment (posting rhymes on government web-sites) are characteristic
of manic episodes. The distracters do not specifically apply to mania.
A patient diagnosed with bipolar disorder is dressed in a red leotard and bright scarves. The patient twirls and
shadow boxes. The patient says gaily, "Do you like my scarves? Here; they are my gift to you." How should the nurse
document the patient's mood?
a. Euphoric
b. Irritable
c. Suspicious
d. Confident
ANS: A
The patient has demonstrated clang associations and pleasant, happy behavior. Excessive happiness indicates
euphoria. Irritability, belligerence, excessive happiness, and confidence are not the best terms for the patient's mood.
Suspiciousness is not evident.
Page 2 of 34 2 of 34 Varcarolis_ Chapter 13 - Bipolar and Related Disorders.pdf
,Varcarolis_ Chapter 13 - Bipolar and Related Disorders Page 3 2026-03-20
A person was directing traffic on a busy street, rapidly shouting, "To work, you jerk, for perks" and making obscene
gestures at cars. The person has not slept or eaten for 3 days. Which assessment findings will have priority concern for
this patient's plan of care?
a. Insulting, aggressive behavior
b. Pressured speech and grandiosity
c. Hyperactivity; not eating and sleeping
d. Poor concentration and decision making
ANS: C
Hyperactivity, poor nutrition, hydration, and not sleeping take priority in terms of the needs listed above because they
threaten the physical integrity of the patient. The other behaviors are less threatening to the patient's life.
A patient diagnosed with acute mania has distributed pamphlets about a new business venture on a street corner for 2
days. Which nursing diagnosis has priority?
a. Risk for injury
b. Ineffective coping
c. Impaired social interaction
d. Ineffective therapeutic regimen management
ANS: A
Although each of the nursing diagnoses listed is appropriate for a patient having a manic episode, the priority lies
with the patient's physiological safety. Hyperactivity and poor judgment put the patient at risk for injury.
Page 3 of 34 3 of 34 Varcarolis_ Chapter 13 - Bipolar and Related Disorders.pdf
, Varcarolis_ Chapter 13 - Bipolar and Related Disorders Page 4 2026-03-20
A patient diagnosed with bipolar disorder becomes hyperactive after discontinuing lithium. The patient threatens to hit
another patient. Which comment by the nurse is appropriate?
a. "Stop that! No one did anything to provoke an attack by you."
b. "If you do that one more time, you will be secluded immediately."
c. "Do not hit anyone. If you are unable to control yourself, we will help you."
d. "You know we will not let you hit anyone. Why do you continue this behavior?"
ANS: C
When the patient is unable to control his or her behavior and violates or threatens to violate the rights of others, limits
must be set in an effort to deescalate the situation. Limits should be set in simple, concrete terms. The incorrect
responses do not offer appropriate assistance to the patient, threaten the patient with seclusion as punishment, and
ask a rhetorical question.
Page 4 of 34 4 of 34 Varcarolis_ Chapter 13 - Bipolar and Related Disorders.pdf
Varcarolis Chapter 13
Bipolar and Related
Disorders Study Guide and
Practice Questions
Guidehttps://www.stuvia.com/dashboard!@_)#*)(@$)($@*($@)($@*_1 of 34
Page 1 of 34 Varcarolis Chapter 13 Bipolar and Related Disorders Study Guide and Practice Questions.pdf
,Varcarolis_ Chapter 13 - Bipolar and Related Disorders Page 2 2026-03-20
A person was online continuously for over 24 hours, posting rhymes on official government web-sites and inviting
politicians to join social networks. The person has not slept or eaten for 3 days. What features of mania are evident?
a. Increased muscle tension and anxiety
b. Vegetative signs and poor grooming
c. Poor judgment and hyperactivity
d. Cognitive deficits and paranoia
ANS: C
Hyperactivity (activity without sleep) and poor judgment (posting rhymes on government web-sites) are characteristic
of manic episodes. The distracters do not specifically apply to mania.
A patient diagnosed with bipolar disorder is dressed in a red leotard and bright scarves. The patient twirls and
shadow boxes. The patient says gaily, "Do you like my scarves? Here; they are my gift to you." How should the nurse
document the patient's mood?
a. Euphoric
b. Irritable
c. Suspicious
d. Confident
ANS: A
The patient has demonstrated clang associations and pleasant, happy behavior. Excessive happiness indicates
euphoria. Irritability, belligerence, excessive happiness, and confidence are not the best terms for the patient's mood.
Suspiciousness is not evident.
Page 2 of 34 2 of 34 Varcarolis_ Chapter 13 - Bipolar and Related Disorders.pdf
,Varcarolis_ Chapter 13 - Bipolar and Related Disorders Page 3 2026-03-20
A person was directing traffic on a busy street, rapidly shouting, "To work, you jerk, for perks" and making obscene
gestures at cars. The person has not slept or eaten for 3 days. Which assessment findings will have priority concern for
this patient's plan of care?
a. Insulting, aggressive behavior
b. Pressured speech and grandiosity
c. Hyperactivity; not eating and sleeping
d. Poor concentration and decision making
ANS: C
Hyperactivity, poor nutrition, hydration, and not sleeping take priority in terms of the needs listed above because they
threaten the physical integrity of the patient. The other behaviors are less threatening to the patient's life.
A patient diagnosed with acute mania has distributed pamphlets about a new business venture on a street corner for 2
days. Which nursing diagnosis has priority?
a. Risk for injury
b. Ineffective coping
c. Impaired social interaction
d. Ineffective therapeutic regimen management
ANS: A
Although each of the nursing diagnoses listed is appropriate for a patient having a manic episode, the priority lies
with the patient's physiological safety. Hyperactivity and poor judgment put the patient at risk for injury.
Page 3 of 34 3 of 34 Varcarolis_ Chapter 13 - Bipolar and Related Disorders.pdf
, Varcarolis_ Chapter 13 - Bipolar and Related Disorders Page 4 2026-03-20
A patient diagnosed with bipolar disorder becomes hyperactive after discontinuing lithium. The patient threatens to hit
another patient. Which comment by the nurse is appropriate?
a. "Stop that! No one did anything to provoke an attack by you."
b. "If you do that one more time, you will be secluded immediately."
c. "Do not hit anyone. If you are unable to control yourself, we will help you."
d. "You know we will not let you hit anyone. Why do you continue this behavior?"
ANS: C
When the patient is unable to control his or her behavior and violates or threatens to violate the rights of others, limits
must be set in an effort to deescalate the situation. Limits should be set in simple, concrete terms. The incorrect
responses do not offer appropriate assistance to the patient, threaten the patient with seclusion as punishment, and
ask a rhetorical question.
Page 4 of 34 4 of 34 Varcarolis_ Chapter 13 - Bipolar and Related Disorders.pdf
