A nurse is admitting a client who has multiple injuries following a motor vehicle crash. Shortly after admission, the client's partner arrives. He is distraught and blames himself for the accident. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

A. The client responds to questions with disorganized speech:

Disorganized speech is a hallmark of acute mania, often reflecting racing thoughts, pressured speech, and difficulty staying on topic.

B. The client reports that voices are telling him to write a novel:

Reporting that voices are telling the client to write a novel suggests auditory hallucinations, which can occur in various psychiatric conditions, not specifically indicative of acute mania.

C. The client's spouse reports that the client has recently gained weight:

Weight gain is not a typical hallmark of acute mania. In fact, during manic episodes, individuals might experience decreased appetite and sleep, leading to potential weight loss.

D. The client is dressed in all black:

Dressing in all black is not a specific sign of acute mania. While changes in clothing choices or appearance can sometimes be associated with mood changes, this finding alone is not indicative of acute mania.

A. "We can call your family in time for them to get here."

While involving the family is important, this response assumes that the client's concern is solely about family being present. The client's statement might have deeper emotional layers, such as fear or regret, that should be addressed.

B. "Tell your family of your concern so that they can be here."

This response puts the responsibility on the client to communicate their concerns to the family. The nurse's role is to provide support and facilitate communication, rather than placing the burden on the client.

C. "I will make sure a staff member is in your room at all times."

While ensuring the client is not alone is important, this response doesn't address the client's emotional concerns or open a dialogue about their feelings. Simply having a staff member present might not address the underlying fear or anxiety the client is experiencing.

D. "I wonder if you are fearful of dying alone."

Explanation: The nurse's response empathizes with the client's feelings and invites a conversation about their emotions. It acknowledges the client's concerns and opens the door for a more in-depth discussion about their fears and feelings regarding dying alone. This approach is patient-centered and encourages the client to express their emotions.