Progressive Care Nursing Certification (PCCN) Practice Exam

In the case of a postoperative patient with a history of bipolar disorder who is unstable, what should the nurse do first?

1. Notify social services

2. Notify the nursing supervisor

3. Notify the mental health crisis team

4. Contact the patient's husband

The correct answer is: Notify the mental health crisis team

In the scenario described, where a postoperative patient with a history of bipolar disorder is unstable, the first course of action should be to notify the mental health crisis team. This is essential because the patient’s psychiatric condition is of immediate concern and can significantly affect their overall recovery and safety post-surgery. The crisis team is specifically trained to handle situations involving mental health crises and is equipped to assess the patient's needs, provide appropriate interventions, and ensure the patient receives the necessary support. Engaging the mental health crisis team promptly is crucial as they can evaluate the current state of the patient's mental health, which may have implications for the patient’s medical care after surgery. Their expertise will help in formulating a care plan that includes both medical and psychiatric considerations, thus facilitating integrated care. Other options, while potentially important, do not address the immediate mental health instability of the patient. For example, notifying social services or contacting the patient's husband may be relevant later in the care process, but they do not provide the immediate psychiatric assessment and intervention needed. Notifying the nursing supervisor may be appropriate for resource allocation but does not directly address the urgent need for mental health support.