The nurse is caring for a patient with bipolar disorder who has been awake for 72 hours and has eaten only small amounts of food. The patient's speech is pressured and unorganized. When planning care for this patient, what priority nursing diagnosis will the nurse formulate?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

4. The priority nursing diagnosis for the patient is risk for injury due to acute mania, as evidenced by altered nutrition, dry oral membranes, decreased sleep, and pressured speech. The patient who is experiencing acute mania is at risk for injury due to alterations of nutrition and sleep. While the patient with acute mania is experiencing an alteration of sleeping pattern, this is not the priority nursing diagnosis. All nursing diagnoses are formulated the same way: A problem is identified, and the words "due to" are used, followed by the causative agent. The words "as evidenced by" are then used, followed by the patient's manifestations or presenting symptoms.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient with Bipolar Disorder