A nurse observes that a patient diagnosed with bipolar disorder ...

[TVarnum]

A nurse observes that a patient diagnosed with bipolar disorder who has left the seclusion room is soiled with feces. Which nursing intervention would be most likely to encourage a patient to comply with bathing?
 
  a. Say to the patient, We are going to help you to bathe and freshen up..
  b. Say to the patient, Would you like to clean up and change your clothes?
  c. Do nothing until the patient has enough personal control to realize the need.
  d. Return the patient to the room and reorient him or her to the bathroom and clean clothing.

Question 2

The family burden associated with having a mentally ill family member is evidenced by:
 
  a. decreased family stress and conflict.
  b. family members blaming each other for the illness.
  c. increased understanding and acceptance of the illness.
  d. too little time, energy, and money given to the ill member.

[Anna]

Answer to Question 1

A
Successful nursing approaches for disorganized patients include reassuring them and working with them to reduce the degree to which their behaviors inhibit therapeutic processes. Analyzing the extent to which fecal smearing interferes with successful functioning (Maslow's hierarchy) and promoting optimal adaptation constitute primary nursing strategies for such a patient. Passivity implies approval or insensitivity. Therapeutic use of self, that is, asking how you would be able to problem solve when so soiled, is a therapeutic approach to deciding nursing action. The correct option provides anticipatory guidance, which is an effective teaching approach for all patients.

Answer to Question 2

B
Usual assessment findings are increased family stress and conflict, a tendency of members to blame each other for the illness, difficulty understanding or accepting the illness, tension during family gatherings, and disproportionate family time, energy, or money expended on the ill member.