Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 65%
Simulated
A nurse is assessing a client who has bipolar disorder. Which of the following questions should the nurse ask to evaluate the clientÔÇÖs mood stability?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
ÔÇÿHow has your energy level been lately?ÔÇÖ is the best question to evaluate mood stability in bipolar disorder. Energy fluctuations can indicate manic (high energy) or depressive (low energy) episodes, key to assessing mood swings. ÔÇÿDo you enjoy your hobbies anymore?ÔÇÖ assesses anhedonia, more specific to depression than overall mood stability in bipolar disorder. ÔÇÿHave you been feeling sad all the time?ÔÇÖ focuses only on depressive symptoms, missing potential manic or hypomanic states. ÔÇÿAre you taking your medications as prescribed?ÔÇÖ checks adherence but doesnÔÇÖt directly evaluate current mood stability.