A client on an inpatient unit is diagnosed with bipolar disorder: manic phase. During a discussion in the dayroom about weekend activities, the client raises voice, becomes irritable, and insists that plans change. What should be the nurse's initial intervention?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The client's behavior suggests symptoms of a manic episode, which can be exacerbated by overstimulation and agitation. The nurse should first move the client to a calmer location to help reduce the stimuli and provide a safer environment for both the client and other patients. Providing a quiet and secure space can help reduce anxiety, agitation, and impulsivity associated with manic episodes. The other options, such as asking the group to take a vote or discussing impulse control, may not be effective in managing a client in a manic phase. Additionally, asking the client to quiet down or leave the dayroom may escalate the situation, leading to further agitation and aggression.

A Client on an Inpatient Unit Is Diagnosed with Bipolar