A nurse is caring for a client who has anorexia nervosa and overexercises to avoid gaining weight. Which of the following nursing actions should the nurse take?

A. Joining a group discussion about a local election: While group discussions can be productive, a person in the manic phase of bipolar disorder may have difficulty focusing and may become overly talkative or agitated. Engaging in a group discussion about a local election may exacerbate their symptoms and lead to increased energy and agitation.

B. Watching a video with a group in the day room: Watching a video in a group setting may not be suitable for a person in the manic phase, as they might find it hard to sit still and concentrate. The fast-paced and changing nature of videos may contribute to increased restlessness and agitation.

C. Participating in a basketball game in the gym: Engaging in physical activities like basketball can be too stimulating for someone in the manic phase. Their heightened energy levels may cause them to become overly competitive, agitated, or impulsive, potentially leading to risky behavior or increased symptoms.

D. Walking with the nurse in the courtyard: Taking a walk in a calm and soothing environment, such as a courtyard, can help a person in the manic phase expend excess energy in a controlled manner. Walking provides physical activity without overstimulating or overwhelming the individual, making it a more appropriate choice to address boredom while managing their symptoms.

A. Brief Patient Health Questionnaire (Brief PHQ):

The Brief PHQ is a screening tool used to assess symptoms of depression. While it may be relevant to assess mood and emotional well-being, it is not specific to evaluating cognitive functioning or cognitive disorders.

B. Abnormal Involuntary Movements Scale (AIMS):

The AIMS is used to assess involuntary movements, particularly in individuals taking antipsychotic medications. It is not directly related to assessing cognitive disorders.

C,. Mental status examination (MSE)

Explanation:

When admitting an older adult client with a suspected cognitive disorder, including a mental status examination (MSE) as part of the assessment is crucial. The MSE is a structured assessment of a client's current cognitive functioning, emotional state, and thought processes. It helps to evaluate memory, attention, language, perception, orientation, mood, and other cognitive and emotional domains.

D. Scale for Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS):

The SANS is used to assess negative symptoms in individuals with schizophrenia. It focuses on features such as affective blunting, alogia, anhedonia, and other negative symptoms. While it may provide important information about a client's mental state, it is not primarily used to assess cognitive disorders.

Assessing cognitive function is a key component when evaluating older adult clients for cognitive disorders such as dementia or other cognitive impairments. The MSE provides valuable information to guide diagnosis and treatment planning for these conditions.