A nurse who works in a psychiatric unit is caring for a client diagnosed with bipolar disorder. The client comes to the nurse's station at 0300, demanding that the nurse call the provider immediately. Which of the following responses should be an appropriate response by the nurse?

Choice A reason:
Walking with the client at a gradually slower pace is a therapeutic technique that can help reduce anxiety. It allows the nurse to provide a calming presence and support while also helping to decrease the client's physical agitation in a controlled manner. This approach is non-confrontational and can be very effective in managing acute anxiety symptoms.

Choice B reason:
Having a staff member escort the client to her room might seem like a reasonable option, but it could be perceived as punitive or isolating, especially if the client is not posing a risk to themselves or others. It may also escalate the client's anxiety by making them feel confined or punished.

Choice C reason:
Instructing the client to sit down and stop pacing is not advisable as it may come across as dismissive of the client's distress. It could also increase the client's anxiety by making them feel that their coping mechanism (pacing) is not acceptable, which could lead to increased agitation or resistance.

Choice D reason:
Allowing the client to pace alone until physically tired is not the best option as it does not provide any direct support or intervention from the nurse. While pacing may be a self-soothing behavior, it does not address the underlying anxiety and could potentially lead to physical exhaustion without any emotional relief.

Choice A reason:
While giving the family an opportunity to talk about their feelings is important, it is not the immediate priority for staff intervention following the incident. The family's needs are crucial, but the question specifically asks about the staff's follow-up actions.

Choice B reason:
Investigating and identifying cues in the client's behavior that might have indicated contemplation of suicide is a critical step in understanding and preventing future incidents. However, this is more of a retrospective action and not the immediate priority for staff intervention after such an event.

Choice C reason:
Providing professional counseling for staff members is the priority intervention. Staff members may experience a range of emotions, including grief, guilt, and trauma, following a client's suicide. Professional counseling can support staff in processing these feelings and prevent potential long-term psychological effects.

Choice D reason:
Changing policies for staff observation of clients who are suicidal may be necessary, but it is not the immediate priority following the incident. Policy review and changes are part of a longer-term strategy to improve care and prevent future incidents.