Question

A nurse on an acute mental health unit is planning care for a client who has bipolar disorder. Which of the following interventions should the nurse identify as the priority?

A) Supervise the client's choice of clothing when attending therapy sessions.
B) Secure the client's valuables in a locked safe at the nurse's station.
C) Provide the client with easy step-by-step directions during self-care.
D) Monitor the client's vital signs and medication administration.

Answer 1

The nurse's priority intervention for a patient with bipolar disorder should be monitoring the client's vital signs and medication administration, as it is critical for ensuring the patient's well-being and effective management of their condition.

Step-by-step explanation:

The priority intervention for a nurse planning care for a client with bipolar disorder on an acute mental health unit is D) Monitor the client's vital signs and medication administration. This is essential as it pertains to the client's immediate physical health and safety, which is paramount in the hierarchy of nursing care.

Monitoring vital signs is critical because it can detect early signs of a medical emergency or adverse reactions to medications, which are common in acute settings. Additionally, ensuring the appropriate administration of medication is vital in managing the symptoms of bipolar disorder and preventing complications.