A nurse is collecting a health history on a client who has a diagnosis of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. The nurse recognizes that which of the following is an expected history associated with Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome?

The correct answer is Choice A.

Choice A rationale: Disorganized speech is a hallmark symptom of acute mania in bipolar disorder. Clients may exhibit pressured speech, tangentiality, and flight of ideas, reflecting the heightened energy and cognitive disruptions associated with manic episodes.

Choice B rationale: Reporting auditory hallucinations, such as voices telling the client to write a novel, is more indicative of a psychotic disorder rather than acute mania in bipolar disorder. Mania typically involves elevated mood and activity levels, not hallucinations.

Choice C rationale: Weight gain reported by the spouse is not specific to acute mania. While changes in appetite and weight can occur in bipolar disorder, they are not defining features of manic episodes, which are characterized by heightened mood and activity.

Choice D rationale: Being dressed in all black does not specifically indicate acute mania. Mania is characterized by mood disturbances and increased activity levels rather than specific choices in clothing color, which can vary widely among individuals.

The correct answer is choice C: "I'm hearing that you are concerned that it might turn out that you have cancer."

Choice A rationale:

Dismissing the client's concerns and saying there's no reason to worry is not empathetic. It invalidates the client's feelings and does not address their anxiety.

Choice B rationale:

While discussing concerns with the provider is important, it's not the most therapeutic initial response. The nurse should engage with the client's feelings before suggesting actions.

Choice C rationale:

This is the correct choice. Reflecting the client's concerns back to them shows empathy and encourages them to express their feelings. This approach opens up communication and allows the nurse to provide support.

Choice D rationale:

Asking the client why they think they might have cancer could come across as confrontational and dismissive. The focus should be on understanding their feelings rather than challenging their thoughts.