A nurse is assisting in the care of a client who has bipolar disorder and is experiencing mania. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to promote a therapeutic environment?

A. Adolescents who are preparing to leave home for college are generally more independent and have a higher level of verbal communication compared to younger children. They are less likely to be at high risk for physical abuse because they can potentially seek help or report abuse more readily.

B. School-age children typically have better verbal communication skills and may express their desires and feelings more clearly compared to younger children. They are generally less vulnerable to physical abuse compared to younger children who may not be able to communicate their experiences as effectively.
C. Preschoolers are at a higher risk for physical abuse compared to older children and adolescents. They are still developing verbal communication skills and may not be able to express their feelings or report abuse clearly. Their dependence on caregivers for basic needs and care also increases their vulnerability.
D. Toddlers, especially those with chronic health conditions like cystic fibrosis, are particularly vulnerable to physical abuse. Their young age, dependency on caregivers for basic needs, limited verbal communication skills, and potential health challenges increase their risk. Caregivers may feel overwhelmed or stressed by the child's condition, which could potentially contribute to abusive behaviors.

A. While medications like SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) or benzodiazepines may eventually be part of the treatment plan for OCD, administering medication should not be the first action unless the client is in acute distress or experiencing severe anxiety symptoms that require immediate pharmacological intervention.
B. This option involves assessing the severity of anxiety symptoms, which is important for understanding the client's baseline anxiety level. However, calculating this score is not the first action. It can be done later as part of the comprehensive assessment to guide ongoing treatment planning.
C. Relaxation exercises, such as deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation, can help manage anxiety symptoms in clients with OCD. However, before initiating specific interventions like relaxation exercises, the nurse should first establish rapport, assess the client's current level of distress, and gather information about the client's symptoms and coping mechanisms.
D. Response prevention is a cognitive-behavioral therapy technique used in the treatment of OCD, where clients are prevented from engaging in compulsive behaviors. This should follow after thorough assessment of the actual psychological state of the client.