Question

A client is planning care for a newly admitted client who has bipolar disorder and is experiencing mania. Which of the following is the priority action by the nurse?

1) Schedule the client for group therapy sessions
2) Maintain consistent rules
3) Provide frequent high-calorie snacks
4) Avoid the use of value judgements

Answer 1

The priority nursing action for a client experiencing mania in bipolar disorder is to maintain consistent rules to provide a safe and stable environment. Limiting choices and supervising the client closely can manage impulsive behaviors and ensure safety.

Step-by-step explanation:

The priority action by the nurse for a client who has bipolar disorder and is experiencing mania is to maintain consistent rules.

Those experiencing mania may have an altered sense of judgment, may be impulsive, and could benefit greatly from a structured and predictable environment.

The consistency in rules helps to provide a safe environment and manage behaviors that could be harmful to the client or others.

Detailed actions may include close supervision, limiting choices to prevent overwhelm, and redirecting energy to safe and constructive activities rather than getting involved in group therapy sessions, which could potentially be too stimulating at this stage.

Providing frequent high-calorie snacks could be considered to meet the increased metabolic demand during manic phases, but it is not the priority.

While it's important to avoid the use of value judgements to provide emotional support and therapeutic communication, this also is not the immediate priority over ensuring a safe and stable environment.