A nurse is caring for a client who has bipolar disorder and is experiencing acute mania. The client states they have not eaten in days. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement?

Choice A reason: Behavior modification may be helpful in long-term management but is not appropriate during acute mania when the client is unable to focus or engage in structured reinforcement strategies. The immediate goal is nutritional support, not behavioral conditioning. Choice B reason: Educating the client about risks assumes cognitive readiness and attention span, which are impaired during acute mania. Clients in this state often lack insight and are unable to process information effectively. Choice C reason: Formal mealtimes may be overwhelming or poorly tolerated by clients in manic states due to distractibility and hyperactivity. They may not be able to sit through a meal or engage socially in a structured setting. Choice D reason: Providing high-calorie finger foods is the most effective intervention. Clients experiencing mania often have increased activity levels and reduced attention span, making it difficult to sit for meals. Finger foods are portable, easy to consume, and help meet caloric needs without requiring sustained focus.