Question

A nurse is preparing to participate in an interdisciplinary conference for a client who has bipolar disorder. Which of the following behaviors is the priority for the nurse to report to the treatment team? A. calling family members B. Spending time alone C. Giving away possessions D. Excessive crying

Answer 1

The nurse should prioritize reporting the behavior of giving away possessions to the treatment team as it may indicate a manic episode in a client with bipolar disorder.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should prioritize reporting the behavior of giving away possessions to the treatment team. This behavior may indicate that the client with bipolar disorder is experiencing a manic episode, which can be a potential risk to their well-being.

When someone with bipolar disorder is in a manic episode, they may engage in impulsive behaviors such as giving away valuable possessions, spending large sums of money, or taking risks without considering the consequences.

By reporting the behavior of giving away possessions, the treatment team can assess the client's condition and determine if any interventions or adjustments to their treatment plan are necessary.

Answer 2

The nurse should prioritize reporting the behavior of giving away possessions during the interdisciplinary conference for a client with bipolar disorder, as it may indicate a risk of self-harm or sui cidal thoughts.

Step-by-step explanation:

The priority behavior the nurse should report is Giving away possessions. This action can be a sign of potential self-harm or sui cidal ideation, which is a serious risk in clients with bipolar disorder during depressive episodes. While the other behaviors listed—calling family members, spending time alone, and excessive crying—can be indicative of various states of mood and may require intervention, they do not typically represent the same immediate risk of harm as giving away possessions does.