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.
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Psychomotor retardation is a characteristic of depression, not hypomania. In fact, individuals with hypomania typically exhibit psychomotor agitation, which is characterized by increased energy and activity levels.
Psychomotor retardation often manifests as slowed movements, speech, and thought processes. It can significantly impact an individual's ability to perform daily tasks and engage in social interactions.
While psychomotor retardation can occur in various mental health conditions, it is not typically associated with hypomania.
Choice B rationale:
Decreased self-esteem is also a characteristic of depression, not hypomania. Individuals with hypomania typically experience inflated self-esteem and grandiosity.
They may overestimate their abilities, make unrealistic plans, or engage in risky behaviors. This inflated sense of self-worth is often a hallmark feature of hypomania and can contribute to impaired judgment and decision-making.
Choice C rationale:
Euphoria is a hallmark symptom of hypomania. It is characterized by an elevated, expansive, or irritable mood that is persistent and noticeable to others.
Individuals with euphoria often feel excessively happy, cheerful, or optimistic. They may have increased energy, decreased need for sleep, and a heightened sense of well-being.
They may also be more talkative, outgoing, and engage in pleasurable activities more often.
This elevated mood is a core feature of hypomania and is often accompanied by other characteristic symptoms, such as increased activity levels, racing thoughts, and impulsivity.
Choice D rationale:
Hallucinations are not a typical feature of hypomania. They are more commonly associated with psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia.
Hallucinations involve perceiving things that are not real, such as hearing voices or seeing things that are not there.
While hallucinations can occur in some individuals with hypomania, they are not a defining feature of the condition
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The rationale for Choice A:
Limiting time for rituals to 30 minutes each day may not be effective and could potentially increase anxiety. Individuals with OCD often feel a strong compulsion to perform their rituals, and abruptly restricting their ability to do so can heighten distress and lead to increased attempts to engage in the rituals, even in a covert manner. This can create a cycle of anxiety and frustration.
Gradual exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy is a more effective approach to reducing ritualistic behaviors. It involves gradually exposing the individual to anxiety-provoking stimuli while helping them to resist engaging in their compulsions. This process is done in a controlled and supportive environment, to help the individual learn to manage their anxiety and reduce their reliance on rituals.
Rationale for Choice B:
Providing a stimulating environment is not generally recommended for individuals with OCD. Excessive stimulation can exacerbate anxiety and trigger compulsive behaviors. A calmer and more structured environment is often more beneficial.
Individuals with OCD often thrive in environments that provide predictability and a sense of control. A structured schedule can help to reduce uncertainty and create a sense of order, which can in turn help to reduce anxiety and the urge to engage in compulsive behaviors. Rationale for Choice C:
Negative reinforcement is not an appropriate or effective intervention for OCD. It involves punishing or removing a desired stimulus in response to a behavior, with the aim of decreasing the likelihood of that behavior occurring again. However, this approach can be counterproductive in OCD, as it can increase anxiety and make the individual more likely to engage in their rituals in order to avoid the negative consequences.
Positive reinforcement, such as praise and encouragement, is more effective in promoting desired behaviors. This approach focuses on rewarding the individual for making progress in reducing their ritualistic behaviors, which can help to increase motivation and create a more positive and supportive environment for change.
Rationale for Choice D:
Providing a structured schedule of activities can be a very effective intervention for OCD. It can help to reduce anxiety, provide a sense of control, and minimize the time available for engaging in compulsive rituals.
A structured schedule can include a variety of activities, such as:
Mealtimes
Personal hygiene routines
Work or school activities
Leisure activities
Relaxation exercises
Social interactions
The schedule should be tailored to the individual's specific needs and preferences. It is important to ensure that the activities are enjoyable and meaningful to the individual, as this will increase their motivation to participate.
The nurse can work with the individual to develop a schedule that is realistic and achievable. The schedule should be reviewed and adjusted regularly as the individual makes progress.
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