A nurse is teaching about sources of psychological stress to a group of newly licensed nurses. The nurse should identify which of the following qualifies as a source of psychological distress?

While all the outcomes are important in the overall care of a client with bipolar disorder, the safety of the client takes precedence, especially during the acute phase of the disorder. Bipolar disorder is characterized by mood swings that can include episodes of mania, which may involve risky behaviors or even thoughts of self-harm.
A. The client will remain safe throughout hospitalization: This is the priority outcome. Ensuring the safety of the client during hospitalization involves monitoring for any signs of self-harm or harm to others, managing any acute manic or depressive symptoms, and providing a secure environment.

B. The client will accomplish activities of daily living independently by discharge: While independence in activities of daily living is a valuable outcome, it may not be the immediate priority during the acute phase of bipolar disorder. Addressing safety and stabilization come first.

C. The client will use problem-solving to cope adequately after discharge: Coping skills are important for long-term management, but ensuring safety and stabilization during the hospitalization phase takes precedence. Coping skills can be addressed as part of the overall treatment plan.

D. The client will verbalize feelings during group sessions by discharge: Expression of feelings is an important aspect of mental health treatment, but safety and stabilization remain the priority, especially during the acute phase of bipolar disorder.

A. Generalized anxiety disorder and a nursing diagnosis of fear: Generalized anxiety disorder typically involves chronic, excessive worrying and anxiety that is not limited to specific situations or triggers. The sudden and intense symptoms described in the scenario, such as lightheadedness, tremulousness, diaphoresis, tachycardia, and dyspnea, are more indicative of a panic attack rather than generalized anxiety. The nursing diagnosis of fear may not fully capture the acute and intense nature of panic symptoms.

B. Panic disorder and a nursing diagnosis of panic anxiety: This is the correct answer. Panic disorder is characterized by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks, which align with the sudden onset of symptoms described in the scenario. The nursing diagnosis of panic anxiety is appropriate as it addresses the acute distress associated with panic attacks.

C. Pain disorder and a nursing diagnosis of altered role performance: There is no indication of pain being the primary issue in this scenario. The symptoms are more indicative of a panic attack rather than a pain disorder. Additionally, altered role performance is not a priority nursing diagnosis when addressing the acute symptoms of a panic attack.

D. Altered sensory perception and a nursing diagnosis of panic disorder: Altered sensory perception is not the primary issue in this scenario, and it does not specifically address the sudden and intense symptoms described. The focus should be on the panic symptoms and the associated distress, leading to the nursing diagnosis of panic anxiety.