A nurse is discussing the possible physical effects of alcohol withdrawal with a newly licensed nurse.
Which of the following effects should the nurse include? (Select all that apply.)

Choice A rationale:

Asking the group what they think about the client's behavior is not appropriate for several reasons. It could violate the client's confidentiality, it could create a sense of judgment or stigma among the group members, and it is unlikely to provide accurate or helpful information about the cause of the behavior. The nurse's primary responsibility is to the client who is experiencing distress, not to gather opinions from others.

Choice B rationale:

Staying with the group and asking another client to check on the situation is also not appropriate. It is the nurse's responsibility to assess and address the client's behavior, not to delegate this task to another client. This could potentially put the other client at risk, as they may not have the training or skills to handle the situation effectively. Additionally, it could create a sense of division or lack of support within the group.

Choice D rationale:

Ignoring the incident is never appropriate, as it could potentially endanger the client or others. It is important to remember that all behaviors have meaning, and even attention-seeking behaviors can be a sign of underlying distress. The nurse needs to assess the situation to determine the cause of the behavior and provide appropriate interventions.

Choice C rationale:

Following the client to determine the cause of the behavior is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take. This allows the nurse to assess the client's safety, provide support, and intervene as necessary. It also demonstrates to the client that the nurse is concerned and willing to help. Key considerations for the nurse:

Safety: The nurse's primary concern is always the safety of the client, themselves, and others. It's crucial to assess for any potential risks of harm and take appropriate precautions.

Assessment: Careful observation and assessment of the client's behavior, including verbal and nonverbal cues, can provide valuable insights into the underlying causes.

Communication: Establishing a calm, supportive, and non-judgmental communication with the client is essential to gain their trust and cooperation.

Intervention: The nurse may need to employ various interventions, such as de-escalation techniques, distraction, or medication, depending on the assessment and the client's needs.

Documentation: Thorough documentation of the incident, the nurse's assessment, and interventions is important for continuity of care and communication with other healthcare professionals.

1. Answer and explanation The correct answers are:

Condition:

1. Mania Actions:
2. Daily weight

D. Suicidal behavior

Parameters to monitor:

Blood pressure and pulse rate

Food intake during meals

Rationale for condition:

Choice A: Mania

The client's presentation is consistent with the manic phase of bipolar disorder.

Key features of mania include:

Elevated mood or irritability

Increased energy and activity levels

Racing thoughts and rapid speech

Decreased need for sleep Impulsive behavior

Distractibility

Poor judgment

Grandiosity

Auditory hallucinations Rationale for actions:

Choice B: Daily weight

Weight loss is a common symptom of mania due to increased activity levels and decreased appetite.

Monitoring weight helps assess the severity of mania and the need for nutritional interventions.

Choice D: Suicidal behavior

Individuals with bipolar disorder are at increased risk for suicide, especially during manic episodes.

Close monitoring for suicidal ideation and behavior is crucial for safety.

Rationale for parameters to monitor:

Choice A: Blood pressure and pulse rate

Mania can lead to physiological changes such as increased heart rate and blood pressure.

Monitoring these vital signs helps assess the physical impact of mania and the potential need for medical interventions.

Choice C: Food intake during meals

As mentioned, decreased appetite is common in mania.

Monitoring food intake ensures adequate nutrition and prevents dehydration.