A charge nurse is discussing suicide interventions with nursing staff. Which of the following should the nurse identify as an example of secondary intervention?

When caring for an adolescent female with an eating disorder, the nurse should expect the following manifestations:

A- Amenorrhea: Amenorrhea refers to the absence of menstruation, which is commonly seen in individuals with eating disorders, particularly in cases of severe weight loss or malnutrition.

B- Altered body image: Individuals with eating disorders often have a distorted perception of their body shape and size. They may see themselves as overweight or have a negative body image, even when they are significantly underweight.

C- Hyperactivity: Some individuals with eating disorders may exhibit excessive physical activity or restlessness. This hyperactivity can be a result of increased energy expenditure, driven by a fear of weight gain or a compulsive need to burn calories.

E- Bradycardia: Bradycardia, or a slow heart rate, is a common finding in individuals with severe malnutrition or very low body weight. It can be a result of the body's adaptive response to conserve energy in a state of limited food intake.

Incorrect:

D- Verbalized desire to gain weight is not typically expected in individuals with eating disorders. They may express a desire to lose weight or have a fear of gaining weight instead.

Informed consent is an essential ethical principle in healthcare, including mental health treatment. Even if the client has previously signed a consent form for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), they have the right to change their mind and refuse the treatment at anytime. Respecting the client's autonomy and their right to make decisions about their own healthcare is crucial.

The nurse's response should support the client's right to refuse the treatment, rather than attempting to persuade or convince them otherwise. It is important to provide information, answer questions, and discuss the client's concerns or reasons for refusing the treatment. The client's decision should be respected and further discussions can be held with the healthcare provider to explore alternative treatment options or address any concerns the client may have.

A- "You have given signed consent for the treatments after they were explained to you." - This response does not acknowledge the client's right to refuse the treatment. Even if the client previously provided consent, they still have the right to change their mind and refuse the treatment. Informed consent is an ongoing process, and the client's autonomy should be respected throughout their care.

B- "You can refuse them, but the provider believes they are necessary." - While it may be true that the healthcare provider believes ECT is necessary, this response does not fully acknowledge the client's autonomy. It is important to emphasize the client's right to make decisions about their own healthcare, independent of the provider's opinion. The decision to refuse or accept the treatment should ultimately be made by the client.

C- "You will feel better after the course of treatments." - This response does not address the client's concerns or their right to refuse the treatment. It is essential to respect the client's autonomy and their ability to make decisions about their own care, even if their decision may not align with the potential benefits of the treatment. The nurse should focus on providing information, addressing the client's concerns, and supporting their decision-making process.