A nurse is contributing to the plan of care for a client who has bipolar disorder and is experiencing acute mania. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Check the client's vital signs every 4 hr.: Although monitoring vital signs is important, it is not the primary concern in acute mania unless the client is showing signs of physical distress (e.g., tachycardia, dehydration). B. Provide the client with high-calorie finger foods.: This is correct. During acute mania, clients may have difficulty sitting down to eat, and high-calorie finger foods can help ensure the client gets adequate nutrition. These foods are easy to consume and provide the necessary calories. C. Encourage the client to participate in group activities.: While socialization can be beneficial, group activities may overstimulate a client in acute mania and could lead to further agitation. It is better to encourage more structured and individual activities initially. D. Allow the client to establish his own schedule.: Clients in acute mania may have poor judgment and impulsive behavior. Allowing them to establish their own schedule could lead to disorganized behavior. The nurse should offer structure to prevent this.