A client diagnosed with bipolar I disorder is distraught over insomnia experienced over the last 3 nights and a 12-pound weight loss over the past 2 weeks. Which should be this clients priority nursing diagnosis?

A. Enables the nurse to assign the appropriate Axis I diagnosis: Nurses typically do not assign Axis I diagnoses. Diagnosing mental health conditions is typically the responsibility of psychiatrists, psychologists, or other licensed mental health professionals. Nurses, however, play a crucial role in gathering information to contribute to the overall assessment process.

B. Enables the nurse to prescribe the appropriate medications: Nurses do not prescribe medications; that is the responsibility of physicians, nurse practitioners, or other prescribers. However, gathering client information is essential for providing accurate information to the prescriber, assisting in medication management, and monitoring for side effects.

C. Enables the nurse to modify behaviors related to personality disorders: While nurses can assist in the management of behaviors related to mental health conditions, the primary purpose of gathering client information is not to modify behaviors related to personality disorders. It is more about understanding the client's needs and tailoring care accordingly.

D. Enables the nurse to make sound clinical judgments and plan appropriate care: This is the correct answer. Gathering client information is a fundamental step in the nursing assessment process. It provides the necessary data for the nurse to make informed clinical judgments, identify health problems, and plan appropriate care interventions. It allows the nurse to understand the client's unique needs, preferences, and potential risks, leading to individualized and effective care planning.

A. "This therapy will increase the client's motivation to gain weight": Behavior modification focuses on changing specific behaviors through reinforcement or consequences. While motivation may be a component, the primary goal of behavior modification is to address and modify specific behaviors, such as eating habits, rather than solely relying on motivation.

B. "This therapy will provide the client with control over behavioral choices": Anorexia nervosa often involves issues of control, and behavior modification can empower the individual to regain control over their eating behaviors in a structured and supportive manner. It involves setting goals, reinforcing positive behaviors, and providing a sense of control within the therapeutic framework.

C. "This therapy will reward the client for perfectionist achievement": While anorexia nervosa is associated with perfectionism, rewarding for perfectionist achievement may inadvertently reinforce unhealthy behaviors. Behavior modification aims to promote positive behaviors related to health and well-being rather than reinforcing perfectionism.

D. "This therapy will protect the client from parental overindulgence": Behavior modification is not primarily focused on protecting the client from external factors like parental overindulgence. Instead, it aims to modify specific behaviors through positive reinforcement or consequences.