What it means
A change in mood or behavior that a client or family may describe. Adults may be short-tempered or quick to argue; babies and young children may cry more and be hard to soothe. It can come with pain, poor sleep, hunger, illness, drug or alcohol withdrawal, mood disorders and changes in the brain. "Irritable" also describes body parts that react too easily, as in irritable bowel syndromeIR-ih-tuh-bul BOW-ul SIN-dromeA long-term bowel condition with belly pain and changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation or both.Full entry .
For the nurse
Note when it started and what goes with it. A new change in an infant's or older adult's behavior can be an early sign of illness, so compare with what the family says is normal for them.
At a glance
| Spanish | irritable |
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Related terms
delirium
A sudden state of confusion and poor attention that comes and goes over hours or days.
irritable bowel syndrome
A long-term bowel condition with belly pain and changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation or both.