A 30-year-old male patient, John, presents to the clinic with his wife. She reports that John has been experiencing periods of extreme energy and euphoria, followed by episodes of deep depression over the past several months. During his manic episodes, John engages in risky behaviors such as excessive spending and reckless driving. During his depressive episodes, he isolates himself and has expressed feelings of hopelessness. Based on this scenario, what is the priority nursing action for John?
Administer a mood stabilizer immediately.
Conduct a thorough assessment to evaluate John's safety and risk of harm to himself or others.
Schedule John for regular therapy sessions to manage his mood swings.
Educate John and his wife about the signs and symptoms of Bipolar Spectrum Disorder.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: While mood stabilizers are essential in treatment, medication cannot be safely administered before completing an assessment of risk and safety.
Choice B reason: The priority in this scenario is to assess safety, as John is at risk of harming himself or others due to reckless behavior during mania and suicidal ideation during depression. Safety always precedes treatment or education.
Choice C reason: Therapy is a valuable part of long-term management, but it is not the immediate priority when safety concerns exist.
Choice D reason: Education is important but cannot come before determining immediate risk and ensuring safety.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:Informing the family without addressing the client’s emotional concern misses the opportunity to explore their feelings. This response does not directly respond to the client’s expressed fear about their mother’s death.
Choice B reason:Promising to call the family in time assumes the client’s primary concern is family presence, which may not address the underlying fear of dying alone. It also risks making a promise that may not be feasible.
Choice C reason:Ensuring a staff member’s constant presence is supportive but does not directly address the client’s stated concern about their mother’s death or explore their emotional needs, making it less therapeutic.
Choice D reason:Acknowledging the client’s potential fear of dying alone directly addresses the emotional content of their statement. This therapeutic response encourages the client to express their fears, fostering emotional support and understanding.
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Maintaining adequate and consistent sleep helps regulate mood and prevent manic or depressive episodes. Avoiding naps can improve nighttime sleep quality.
Choice B reason: Excessive exercise multiple times a day may increase risk of exhaustion and even trigger mania in bipolar disorder. Moderation is key.
Choice C reason: Using positive mental imagery, such as recalling a pleasant vacation, is a healthy cognitive coping strategy to manage anxiety.
Choice D reason: A positive outlook (optimism) is a strong protective coping mechanism that enhances resilience and stress management in individuals with mood disorders.
Choice E reason: Progressive muscle relaxation is an evidence-based relaxation technique that reduces anxiety, promotes calmness, and decreases tension.
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