A nurse is collecting data from a client who has bipolar disorder. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

A. Contact the provider within 48 hr to obtain a prescription for the restraints: A provider’s order for restraints must be obtained immediately or within a very short time frame, usually within 1 hour, depending on facility policy. Waiting 48 hours would be inappropriate and could lead to violation of patient rights.

B. Remove the restraints from the client's wrists every 2 hr: Restraints must be removed at least every 2 hours to assess skin integrity, provide range of motion exercises, and evaluate the continued need for restraints. This practice ensures client safety, prevents complications such as pressure injuries, and respects client dignity.

C. Check that one finger will fit between the client's wrists and the restraints: The correct practice is to ensure that two fingers can fit between the restraint and the skin to prevent circulatory impairment and skin breakdown. One finger would be too tight and could increase the risk of injury.

D. Fasten the restraints' ties to the bed's side rails: Restraints should always be tied to the bed frame, not the side rails. Attaching restraints to movable parts like side rails can cause injury if the rail is lowered or repositioned, leading to unnecessary strain or trauma to the client.

A. Plan time at the end of the shift to document nursing interventions: Waiting until the end of the shift to document can lead to inaccuracies and missed details. It is more effective to document in real-time or immediately after providing care to ensure complete, accurate, and timely records, reducing errors and memory lapses.

B. Keep track of how long it takes to complete certain tasks: Monitoring how long tasks take helps the nurse better allocate time and identify where delays occur. This awareness allows for improved scheduling, more accurate prioritization, and realistic planning during the shift, leading to better time management.

C. Delegate collection of vital signs to the assistive personnel on the team: Delegating appropriate tasks, like vital signs collection, frees the nurse to focus on critical thinking, assessments, and interventions that require professional judgment. Proper delegation is an essential time-management strategy in providing efficient and safe client care.

D. Complete activities with one client before moving to another client: While thoroughness is important, it is not always efficient to rigidly finish all activities with one client before seeing others. Time-sensitive or urgent tasks with other clients may require interruptions, and flexibility is crucial for safe, effective care management.

E. Make a priority to do it at the beginning of the shift: Establishing priorities at the beginning of the shift ensures that essential and urgent needs are addressed promptly. Early planning helps organize tasks efficiently, reduces chaos during busy periods, and helps maintain focus throughout the shift.