A nurse is collecting data from a client who has bipolar disorder with mania.
Which finding is the nurse’s priority?

The client gives personal items and money away to other clients.

The client is hostile and sarcastic towards the staff.

The client paces in the hallway during the day and most of the night.

The client demonstrates flight of ideas.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

The correct answer is choice c. The client paces in the hallway during the day and most of the night.

Choice A rationale: Giving away personal items and money can indicate impulsivity and poor judgment, which are common in manic episodes. However, this behavior does not pose an immediate physical risk to the client or others.

Choice B rationale: Hostility and sarcasm towards staff can indicate irritability and agitation, which are also common in mania. While this behavior can disrupt the therapeutic environment, it is not the highest priority unless it escalates to physical aggression.

Choice C rationale: Pacing in the hallway during the day and most of the night indicates severe hyperactivity and potential exhaustion. This behavior poses a significant risk to the client’s physical health due to the possibility of dehydration, exhaustion, and other complications from lack of rest.

Choice D rationale: Demonstrating flight of ideas is a cognitive symptom of mania where the client rapidly shifts from one idea to another. While this can affect communication and thought processes, it does not pose an immediate physical risk.

In summary, the priority is to address behaviors that pose the greatest immediate risk to the client’s physical health and safety.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The correct answer is Choice C.

Choice A rationale: While acknowledging the client's experience is important, this statement does not immediately address the content of the hallucinations, which could be crucial for assessing the client's safety.

Choice B rationale: Asking how often the client hears the voices is useful information for later, but it is not the immediate priority when first addressing auditory hallucinations.

Choice C rationale: Asking what the voices are telling the client is the priority. This helps the nurse assess if the hallucinations include commands or harmful content, which is essential for determining the client's immediate safety and risk of self-harm or harm to others.

Choice D rationale: Explaining that the voices are part of the client's illness can be useful for long-term understanding, but it does not address the immediate need to assess the content of the hallucinations.

A. Review the client’s toxicology laboratory report B. Administer the Hamilton depression scale C. Make a contract with the client for weight gain D. Initiate one-to-one nursing observation

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Initiating one-to-one nursing observation is the most crucial and immediate action the nurse should take in this scenario. Here's a detailed explanation:

Prioritizes Safety: The client has a recent history of a suicide attempt, indicating a high risk for self-harm. One-to-one observation ensures continuous monitoring, enabling prompt intervention if the client engages in any self-injurious behaviors or attempts. It prioritizes the client's safety and prevents further harm.

Addresses Acute Risk: The client's mental health conditions, including depression, substance abuse, and anorexia nervosa, create a complex and acute risk profile. One-to-one observation allows for close assessment of the client's mental state, behaviors, and potential triggers, enabling early identification of any escalating risk and timely implementation of appropriate interventions.

Provides Support and Stabilization: The presence of a dedicated nurse provides emotional support, reassurance, and a sense of security for the client during this vulnerable period. It can help reduce anxiety and distress, promote engagement in treatment, and facilitate stabilization.

Gathers Essential Information: While observing the client, the nurse can gather valuable information about their behavior patterns, coping mechanisms, communication style, and potential triggers. This information is essential for developing a comprehensive and individualized treatment plan.

Facilitates Trust and Rapport: One-to-one observation provides an opportunity for the nurse to establish a therapeutic relationship with the client, build trust, and promote open communication. This foundation is crucial for effective assessment, intervention, and ongoing care

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A nurse is collecting data from a client who has bipolar disorder with mania. Which finding is the nurse’s priority?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing auditory hallucinations. What should the nurse say first?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is assisting with the admission of a client to an acute mental health unit following a suicide attempt. The client has a history of depression, substance abuse, and anorexia nervosa. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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A nurse is attending to a client experiencing acute anxiety. Which of the following actions should the nurse undertake? (Select all that apply.)

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A nurse in an acute care mental health facility is caring for a client who is experiencing an acute manic episode. Which of the following is the nurse’s priority intervention?

A nurse is collecting data from a client who has bipolar disorder with mania.
Which finding is the nurse’s priority?