A nurse is interviewing the partner of a client who was admitted in the manic phase of bipolar disorder. The partner states, "I don't know what to do. Everything has been happening so quickly." Which of the following responses by the nurse is therapeutic?

A. “Take your diuretic medication with your evening meal." Taking diuretics in the evening can increase nighttime urination, worsening sleep disruption and incontinence. They should generally be taken in the morning to minimize nocturia.
B. "Decrease your intake of cranberry juice." Cranberry juice is often recommended to promote urinary tract health, though it doesn’t directly worsen urge incontinence. It is not necessary to avoid it unless advised by a provider for another reason.
C. "Plan to urinate every 3 hours while you are awake." Scheduled voiding at regular intervals is a key strategy in bladder retraining. It helps reduce urgency episodes and gradually increases bladder capacity and control over time.
D. “Limit your fluid intake to 500 milliliters per day." Severely limiting fluids can lead to dehydration, concentrated urine, and bladder irritation, potentially worsening incontinence. Adequate fluid intake should be maintained unless otherwise directed.

A. Tell the nurses that the assignments will be more equitable in the future. While this acknowledges their concern, it does not involve the nurses in the resolution process or address the root of the conflict through direct communication.
B. Ask each nurse to take turns making the assignments. This may temporarily reduce tension but avoids addressing the underlying issues of perceived favoritism and does not encourage collaboration or accountability.
C. Encourage collaboration between the two nurses when making the assignments. This approach promotes open communication, mutual understanding, and shared decision-making, which are key elements of collaborative conflict resolution. It allows both nurses to express their perspectives and work toward a fair and balanced outcome.
D. Arrange for the nurses to have as few shifts together as possible. This strategy avoids the conflict rather than resolving it, which may only delay or worsen interpersonal issues over time. It also limits opportunities for growth and team building.