Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 77%
Simulated
Passage / Scenario
Client has dementia and exhibits aphasia; Client has bipolar disorder and displays constant pacing; Client has schizophrenia and uses neologisms; Client has depressive disorder and has poor personal hygiene.A nurse on an acute mental health unit is assessing four clients. Which of the following clients is the highest priority?
Correct answer
B
Rationale
The correct answer is B. The client with bipolar disorder displaying constant pacing is the highest priority as it may indicate escalating anxiety or agitation, potentially leading to harm to self or others. Clients with dementia and aphasia (choice A) may need support communicating but are not in immediate danger. Clients with schizophrenia and neologisms (choice C) may have disorganized speech but are not necessarily at immediate risk. Clients with depressive disorder and poor hygiene (choice D) may require intervention but are not as urgent as a client displaying signs of agitation like constant pacing.