A nurse is assisting with the care of a client.

A nurse is reviewing the client's electronic medical record. Which of the following findings on day 7 require further action? Select all that apply.

A. Flight of ideas: Flight of ideas is a classic finding in clients experiencing a manic episode of bipolar disorder. It is characterized by rapid, continuous shifts from one topic to another, often making it difficult for the listener to follow the conversation. This reflects the elevated mood and pressured speech typical of mania.

B. Ritualistic behavior: Ritualistic behaviors, such as repetitive actions or strict routines, are more commonly associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) rather than bipolar disorder. While clients with bipolar disorder may show disorganized behavior during mania, ritualism is not a hallmark feature.

C. Well-groomed appearance: During manic or depressive episodes of bipolar disorder, clients often experience a decline in self-care and grooming. A consistently well-groomed appearance would be more typical of a stable, euthymic phase rather than during an active mood episode.

D. Command hallucinations: Command hallucinations are typically linked to psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia. Although severe mania can include psychotic features, hallucinations are not a primary or consistent symptom in bipolar disorder unless it becomes a psychotic manic or depressive episode.

• Weight: The client has gained over 1 kg (about 2.2 lb) within a week, suggesting fluid retention. In combination with crackles, edema, and cardiomegaly, this weight gain indicates worsening heart failure and requires prompt intervention to manage fluid overload.
• Potassium: A potassium level of 3.5 mEq/L is at the lower limit of normal. While it should be monitored, it does not independently demand immediate action unless it trends lower or the client shows symptoms of hypokalemia.
• Pedal pulses: Pedal pulses have decreased from 2+ to 1+, and the extremities are now cool. These changes suggest compromised peripheral circulation, likely related to decreased cardiac output, and warrant further assessment and management.
• Temperature: The client’s temperature is within the normal range. There are no signs of fever or hypothermia, so this finding does not require immediate action based on the current clinical data.
• Orientation: The client remains alert and oriented, with no noted decline in mental status. Therefore, orientation findings are stable and do not necessitate further immediate intervention.
• Chest x-ray: The presence of cardiomegaly on chest x-ray suggests worsening heart failure or fluid overload. This finding is significant and requires timely medical evaluation and management to prevent further cardiac decompensation.
• Urine output: The client’s urine output has drastically decreased from 520 mL/hr to 160 mL in 8 hours, indicating impaired renal perfusion or acute kidney injury. This is a critical finding and requires immediate provider notification and intervention.