The nurse is continuing to assist with the care of the client.

For each finding, click to specify if the finding indicates that the client's condition has improved or has not changed.

A. Flight of ideas: Flight of ideas is a classic finding in clients experiencing a manic episode of bipolar disorder. It is characterized by rapid, continuous shifts from one topic to another, often making it difficult for the listener to follow the conversation. This reflects the elevated mood and pressured speech typical of mania.

B. Ritualistic behavior: Ritualistic behaviors, such as repetitive actions or strict routines, are more commonly associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) rather than bipolar disorder. While clients with bipolar disorder may show disorganized behavior during mania, ritualism is not a hallmark feature.

C. Well-groomed appearance: During manic or depressive episodes of bipolar disorder, clients often experience a decline in self-care and grooming. A consistently well-groomed appearance would be more typical of a stable, euthymic phase rather than during an active mood episode.

D. Command hallucinations: Command hallucinations are typically linked to psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia. Although severe mania can include psychotic features, hallucinations are not a primary or consistent symptom in bipolar disorder unless it becomes a psychotic manic or depressive episode.

• Initiate a power of attorney for health care document: Nurses do not initiate or create legal documents like a power of attorney. The client must initiate this, often with legal assistance if needed.
• Provide the client with written information about advance directives: It is the nurse’s responsibility to ensure the client receives clear, written information about advance directives, including explanations of living wills, DNR orders, and medical power of attorney documents.
• Instruct the client that an advance directive is a legal document and must be honored by care providers: Nurses reinforce that advance directives are legally binding documents. They ensure the client's wishes are respected by the healthcare team throughout their care.
• Communicate advance directives status via the medical record and shift report: Once a client’s advance directive status is known, it must be accurately documented and communicated to all healthcare providers to ensure continuity and adherence to the client’s wishes.
• Document that the provider discussed do-not-resuscitate status with the client: Nurses are responsible for documenting that the conversation regarding DNR status occurred, including who had the conversation and the client's stated wishes, even though the actual discussion is led by the provider.
• Inform the client that an advance directive discontinues further care: Advance directives do not mean that all care is discontinued. Clients can still receive comfort, palliative, or supportive treatments based on their wishes outlined in the directive.