The patient with bipolar disorder is verbally threatening the staff and other patients in the medical surgical unit. Which initial action is most appropriate?

Direct the patient to a sensory room. Bipolar disorder, formerly referred to as manic-depressive illness, is a psychiatric condition characterized by alternating periods of profound depression and elation. Patients who show signs of aggression, such as shouting, throwing objects, and invading personal space, are a threat to themselves and to individuals in the ward. The nurse must set limits to the patient’s violent behavior. A sensory room is an alternative intervention that has been shown to be useful for patients with aggression. Physical and chemical restraints and seclusion should be the last modalities to consider. Removing the patient would be inappropriate unless there was imminent threat of lethal violence.

The patient with bipolar disorder is verbally threatening the sta...

Category: Management of Care
Difficulty: 4

Topics: Mental Health Disorders Communication & Documentation Crisis Management Health Care Quality Health Promotion Nursing Interventions

Want help? View the answer with rationale.

Additional Management of Care Questions

The nurse calls the provider with this report: “Hi, Dr. Smith, the patient Mrs. Welch is complaining of an 8/10 pain in her lower abdomen. Her abdomen is distended but is soft with positive bowel sounds in all four quadrants. I have tried ambulation, warm compresses, and position changes, to no avail. Could you please come assess her?” Which component of SBAR communication does the nurse need to elaborate for this patient?

Question Type: Multiple Choice - Select One
Difficulty: 5

The nursing student is reviewing the pregnant patient’s chart and notes the patient is gravida 4 para 2. Which interpretation of the patient’s obstetric history by the nursing student most likely requires correction by the nurse?

Question Type: Multiple Choice - Select One
Difficulty: 7

The patient has been unconscious for 36 hours after a massive stroke. The nurse enters the room to see the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) cleaning the patient after an episode of fecal incontinence. The UAP states, “I can’t imagine not even being able to clean myself. What a sad existence.” Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?

Question Type: Multiple Choice - Select One
Difficulty: 5

Show Calculator

Want help? View the answer with rationale.

Rationale

Additional Management of Care Questions

Nursing Careers

Nursing Degrees

NCLEX