A nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with bipolar disorder during the depressive phase. The nurse is concerned that the patient may have suicidal thoughts. What is the priority intervention?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Asking the patient directly about thoughts of self-harm or suicide is the priority intervention because it allows the nurse to assess the patient's risk and take appropriate actions to ensure safety. It is essential to address potential suicidal ideation promptly. Encouraging group therapy (B) may be beneficial but is not as urgent as assessing for suicidal thoughts. Offering reassurance and support (C) is important but does not directly address the risk of suicide. Monitoring for signs of agitation or psychotic symptoms (D) is also important but not as crucial as directly assessing for suicidal ideation.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because it acknowledges the patient's feelings without judgment or disagreement, showing empathy and understanding. Option B dismisses the patient's emotions and offers unsolicited reassurance. Option C could come off as confrontational and may make the patient feel defensive. Option D assumes the patient's beliefs and may not address the underlying emotional distress.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Provide a quiet and low-stimulation environment. During the manic phase of bipolar disorder, patients often experience heightened agitation and sensory overload. Creating a calm and low-stimulation environment can help reduce the intensity of their symptoms and promote relaxation. This intervention is crucial to prevent exacerbation of manic behaviors and potential harm to the patient or others. Summary: - Choice B: Encouraging social activities may further stimulate the patient, worsening manic symptoms. - Choice C: While medication is important, creating a calming environment is the immediate priority. - Choice D: Firm limits may provoke resistance and escalate the situation, rather than de-escalate it.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Anxiety. Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by excessive and persistent worry and anxiety. Addressing the patient's anxiety is the priority to promote comfort and well-being. Choice A (Risk for injury) is not the priority because there is no indication of immediate physical harm. Choice C (Ineffective coping) may be relevant but addressing the anxiety itself takes precedence. Choice D (Imbalanced nutrition) is not the priority as it does not address the patient's immediate emotional distress.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because only advanced practice nurses, such as psychiatric nurse practitioners, have the authority to prescribe psychotropic medications. This action falls under their scope of practice and requires advanced education and training in pharmacology and mental health. Asking an advanced practice nurse to prescribe psychotropic medication ensures that patients receive appropriate and safe pharmacological interventions. A: Mental health assessment interviews can be performed by staff nurses, not limited to advanced practice nurses. C: Establishing therapeutic relationships is a fundamental nursing skill that all nurses, including staff nurses, should possess. D: Individualizing nursing care plans is a responsibility of all nurses and does not specifically require involvement of advanced practice nurses.