Final answer:
When caring for a male patient with bipolar disorder, the nurse must ensure safety, communicate with the treatment team, and apply therapeutic interventions to address inappropriate behavior.
Step-by-step explanation:
When caring for a male patient with bipolar disorder who is wandering the hallways and making sexual comments to the nurses, the nurse must take several actions:
- Ensure the safety of the patient: The nurse should closely monitor the patient to prevent any harm to himself or others. This may involve providing a calm and structured environment, removing any objects that could be used as weapons, and implementing behavior management techniques.
- Communicate and collaborate: The nurse should discuss the patient's behavior with the treatment team, including the psychiatrist, social worker, and other healthcare professionals involved in the patient's care. Collaborative efforts can help develop strategies to address the inappropriate behavior and adjust the treatment plan if necessary.
- Apply therapeutic interventions: The nurse should use therapeutic communication techniques to redirect the patient's attention and engage in more appropriate activities. This could involve redirecting the patient's focus onto a less provocative topic, engaging the patient in activities they enjoy, or providing appropriate outlets for their sexual expression, such as art therapy or journaling.