What it means
A change in mood in which small things cause frustration or anger. It can come with stress, poor sleep, pain, hunger, depression, bipolarby-POH-lerHaving two poles or two opposite ends; most often used as a short form of bipolar disorder.bi- twopolar having polesFull entry disorder and withdrawal from drugs or alcohol. In infants and young children, who cannot say what is wrong, irritability can be an early sign of illness, such as infection, dehydration or rising pressure in the skull. It can also be an early sign of low oxygen or low blood sugar.
For the nurse
Note a change from the client's usual behavior and look for a physical cause before assuming it is mood alone. In an infant, a high-pitched cry with irritability is reported.
At a glance
| Spanish | irritabilidad |
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Related terms
hypoglycemia
A blood glucose level below normal, under 70 mg/dL.
hypoxia
A lower than normal level of oxygen in the body's tissues.
bipolar
Having two poles or two opposite ends; most often used as a short form of bipolar disorder.
irritation
Soreness, redness, itching or burning of a body part, caused by something that rubs it or bothers it.