A nurse is assisting with the plan of care for a client who is in the manic phase of bipolar disorder.
Which of the following interventions should the nurse recommend to include?
A.
Encourage group activities
B.
Encourage short rest periods throughout the day
C.
Provide a stimulating environment
D.
Schedule daily seclusion times
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is B. Encourage short rest periods throughout the day.
Explanation:
In the manic phase of bipolar disorder, individuals experience elevated mood, increased energy levels, and heightened activity. These symptoms can lead to exhaustion and difficulty maintaining a regular routine. Therefore, one of the most effective interventions is to encourage short rest periods throughout the day.
1. Managing Energy Levels:
Clients in the manic phase may have boundless energy, leading them to overexert themselves. This can result in physical and mental fatigue, which may exacerbate manic symptoms or lead to a more severe episode. Encouraging short rest periods helps manage their energy levels, preventing overexertion and promoting overall well-being.
2. Promoting Stability:
Short rest periods can help clients regain some level of stability and reduce agitation. Regular intervals of rest can provide the client with an opportunity to calm down and reduce the intensity of manic symptoms. This is crucial because maintaining a balance between activity and rest is essential in managing manic episodes effectively.
3. Enhancing Treatment Compliance:
Rest periods can also improve the client’s ability to engage with treatment interventions. By avoiding extreme fatigue, clients are more likely to participate in therapeutic activities and adhere to medication regimens. Fatigue and agitation can interfere with cognitive functions and the ability to follow through with treatment plans, so incorporating rest can improve treatment compliance.
Why Not the Other Options?
- A. Encourage group activities: While social engagement can be beneficial, clients in the manic phase may become overwhelmed or overly stimulated by group activities, potentially leading to increased agitation or impulsivity.
- C. Provide a stimulating environment: A stimulating environment might exacerbate manic symptoms by increasing excitement and agitation, which can be counterproductive.
- D. Schedule daily seclusion times: Seclusion is generally reserved for safety concerns and may not be appropriate for all clients. The goal in managing mania is often to integrate the client into a supportive environment, not isolate them.
Encouraging short rest periods is a balanced approach that addresses the client’s need for both activity and rest, helping to manage symptoms and promote stability.