Stay with the client
🟠 The nurse should stay with the client because the client is experiencing symptoms consistent with an acute manic episode and is severely agitated.
🟠 Staying with the client allows the nurse to provide continuous observation, reduce risk for harm, and intervene quickly if the client becomes unsafe.
🟠 The client is pacing, refusing to sit, and has not slept or taken medications for at least 2 days, which increases the risk for exhaustion and impulsive behavior.
🟠 A calm nursing presence can help decrease environmental stimulation and support emotional regulation.
🟠 Safety is the priority because manic clients can have poor judgment, increased activity, and reduced ability to recognize physical needs.
Place the client in a room close to the nurses’ station
🟠 Placing the client near the nurses’ station allows frequent monitoring and rapid intervention if agitation escalates.
🟠 This location supports safety while avoiding unnecessary isolation or restraint.
🟠 The client is alert and oriented only x 2, which means close observation is needed due to impaired awareness and judgment.
🟠 A nearby room also helps staff monitor vital signs, hydration, nutrition, and behavioral changes.
🟠 The environment should remain low-stimulation, structured, and safe to reduce worsening manic behavior.
Offer the client finger foods
🟠 The nurse should offer finger foods because manic clients often cannot sit long enough to eat a full meal.
🟠 The client has not eaten for at least 2 days, increasing the risk for dehydration, hypoglycemia, weakness, and poor medication tolerance.
🟠 Portable, high-calorie foods allow the client to eat while moving and help meet nutritional needs.
🟠 Finger foods are especially appropriate when the client is pacing and unable to focus on structured meals.
🟠 Supporting nutrition is important because sustained manic activity greatly increases energy expenditure.
Offer the client a caffeinated beverage.
🟠Caffeine can worsen agitation, insomnia, tachycardia, and anxiety in a client experiencing mania.
🟠This client already has a heart rate of 110/min and has not slept for at least 2 days, so stimulation should be reduced.
Weigh the client daily.
🟠Daily weight can be useful for monitoring nutrition and hydration over time.
🟠It is not an immediate priority in the emergency setting for an acutely agitated manic client who needs safety, observation, and nutrition support first.