The nurse understands that the client alternating between hypomania and mild to moderate depression is experiencing which disorder?

Rationale: A. Bipolar I disorder involves episodes of full mania, not just hypomania. B. Bipolar II disorder is characterized by alternating episodes of hypomania and major depression (often mild to moderate). C. Cyclothymic disorder involves milder mood swings but does not meet criteria for hypomania or major depression. D. Schizophrenia is a psychotic disorder, not primarily a mood disorder with hypomanic and depressive episodes.