An adolescent diagnosed with bipolar disorder shows a pattern of mood swings and risk-taking behaviors. How should the nurse approach planning care?

A. Prescribing extensive periods of isolation is inappropriate. Isolation can increase feelings of loneliness, frustration, and agitation and does not address the underlying mood instability or promote healthy coping. B. Focusing exclusively on risk-taking behaviors and implementing restrictive measures is incomplete. While safety is important, care must also address mood symptoms and emotional regulation. Restrictive measures alone do not support overall recovery and skill development. C. Developing a care plan that includes mood stabilization and monitoring for risky behaviors is correct. bipolar disorder in adolescents requires a comprehensive approach: pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions to stabilize mood, combined with ongoing assessment of behaviors that may endanger the adolescent or others. This approach balances safety with therapeutic support and skill building. D. Encouraging independent decision-making without monitoring behaviors is unsafe. Adolescents experiencing mania or impulsivity may engage in risky or harmful actions, so supervision and guidance are essential alongside promoting autonomy.