Which of the following behaviors indicates that a client is experiencing emotional lability?

Emotional lability refers to rapid and extreme changes in mood that are often uncontrollable, leading to behaviors such as sudden shifts in emotions. This phenomenon can occur in various psychiatric conditions, including mood disorders and certain neurological disorders.

The behavior characterized by sudden mood swings from laughter to tears exemplifies emotional lability, as it indicates an abrupt and extreme alteration in emotional states. This often reflects an underlying difficulty in regulating emotions and can be distressing for the individual experiencing it, as it may occur in situations that do not warrant such drastic emotional responses.

In contrast, a consistently calm demeanor indicates stability and control over emotions rather than lability. Expressing anger toward hospital staff may result from frustration or other emotions but does not necessarily demonstrate the rapid mood changes that define emotional lability. Similarly, withdrawal from social interactions can signify depression or anxiety but does not capture the essence of fluctuating emotions typical of emotional lability. Therefore, the second option best represents the concept of emotional lability.