A nurse in an acute mental health unit is admitting a client diagnosed with bipolar disorder. The nurse recognizes which of the following findings supports the admitting diagnosis of acute mania?

The correct answer is choice D.

Choice A rationale:

Encouraging the family to take the client out of the facility for short periods of time may not be appropriate at this point. Abrupt changes in behavior, like sudden cheerfulness, might be a warning sign for potential suicide risk in individuals with depression. Allowing the client to leave the facility could increase the risk of harm.

Choice B rationale:

Rewarding the client for the change in behavior might inadvertently reinforce the idea that acting cheerful is desirable. This could hinder the client's progress and therapeutic understanding of their condition.

Choice C rationale:

Asking the client why her behavior has changed is a thoughtful and reasonable approach, but it might not address the potential underlying issues adequately. Depression can still be present, and sudden shifts in mood should be monitored closely.

Choice D rationale:

Monitoring the client's whereabouts at all times is the appropriate action. Sudden improvements in a depressed client's demeanor could indicate that they have made a decision to end their life. Monitoring ensures their safety and enables prompt intervention if needed.

Choice A rationale:

Periods of elation with unusual talkativeness. Rationale: While periods of elation with unusual talkativeness can be associated with certain mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder, they are not specific to schizophrenia. These symptoms are more indicative of mania, which is characteristic of bipolar disorder.

Choice B rationale:

Recurrent thoughts of past trauma. Rationale: Recurrent thoughts of past trauma can be associated with various mental health disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but they are not specific to schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is primarily characterized by disturbances in thought processes, perception, and behavior.

Choice C rationale:

Preoccupied with folding clothes. Rationale: Preoccupation with folding clothes is not a hallmark symptom of schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is characterized by symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and impaired social functioning.

Choice D rationale:

Invents words that have no meaning. Rationale: This statement is correct. Inventing words that have no meaning, also known as "neologisms," is a symptom often observed in individuals with schizophrenia. Neologisms are a manifestation of disorganized thinking and communication.