Final answer:
In a manic episode of bipolar I disorder, a nurse would expect to see the client exhibiting flight of ideas, a rapid shifting between topics.
Step-by-step explanation:
During an interview of a client with a diagnosis of bipolar I disorder, specifically during a manic episode, a nurse would expect the client to demonstrate flight of ideas. This is a symptom characterized by rapidly shifting from one topic to another, with a tangential or superficial connection to the preceding thought. This is a hallmark of a manic episode, where individuals may exhibit a high level of energy, decreased need for sleep, and a tendency to be easily distracted.