Nursing Case Study for Bipolar Disorder

Kelli is a 20-year-old patient brought to the ER after being reported by neighbors in her apartment complex for disruptive behavior. Law enforcement and emergency medical services were called, and, as a team, decided she needed a higher level of medical care.

The patient says she is” on a break from art college” but works at a local restaurant as a server and occasionally cleans houses as well. She has also sold her paintings and drawings in the past as well. She denies taking any medication. She also says, “I don’t understand why I am here. I was working on my art projects, and I guess I played my music too loud or something. I said I’d come here so I would not be arrested.”

Kelli’s drug and alcohol tests are negative. Her roommate is now at the bedside and asks to speak to staff privately. She expresses concern that Kelli can be emotional at times as well as going days without sleep then not being able to get out of bed. The nurse returns to further evaluate the patient.

Kelli admits to being able to stay awake for what seems like entire weekends without being tired, but that is when she says her creativity is best. When she was attending college and living in the dorms, she says she had lots of friends but worried about what she calls “all the partying.” This is because she liked to “hook up” with strangers because it was fun, but she worries about possible sexually transmitted infections now that she is older. She says she was extremely popular, and her talent was at its peak. But there are times she could not pay attention in class or even get out of bed, so she dropped out of school. Sometimes, she cannot even touch her art supplies, but says she is probably the “most talented artist around.”

Kelli’s medical records have arrived, and the provider advises nursing staff she has a history of being brought to the ER for similar episodes. The provider says, “This patient is a schizophrenic. We don’t have time for this.”

Kelli rests quietly in the exam room with her roommate at the bedside. She asks, “Can someone help me get better? I am tired of this. I am such a burden on everyone.”

Kelli is amenable to being held for the state’s required psychological hold. She says she wants to be able to live her life as “normally” as possible. She asks about medications that may be available to help.