A female client with bulimia is admitted to the mental health unit after she disclosed to a friend that she purges after meals. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
Provide a supportive, structured environment for meals.
Assess weight, vital signs, potassium, and other electrolytes.
Discuss alternative strategies for binging and purging.
Monitor the client after meals for possible vomiting.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
Providing a supportive, structured environment for meals is an important aspect of the overall care plan for individuals with bulimia. However, it should not be the first intervention when a client is admitted with potential physical complications. Addressing the client's physical condition and safety is the initial priority.
Choice B rationale:
This is the correct initial intervention. Bulimia can lead to severe medical complications, including electrolyte imbalances, which can be life-threatening. Assessing the client's weight, vital signs, and electrolyte levels is crucial to determine the severity of physical issues and guide appropriate medical interventions.
Choice C rationale:
Discussing alternative strategies for binging and purging is an important aspect of treatment for bulimia, but it should follow the initial assessment of the client's physical condition. Addressing the client's medical needs takes precedence over discussing alternatives.
Choice D rationale:
While monitoring the client for possible vomiting is important in the care of individuals with bulimia, it should not be the first intervention when the client is admitted. Assessing the client's physical status and addressing potential medical complications should come before monitoring for specific behaviors.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Encouraging the mother to write her thoughts and feelings in a journal is a constructive and therapeutic response. It provides an outlet for the mother to express her emotions and can be a helpful tool for coping with the challenges she is facing.
Choice B rationale:
Determining if the mother has other children who do not have developmental disabilities may be relevant to understanding her support system and family dynamics, but it does not directly address her current emotional distress.
Choice C rationale:
Reassuring the mother that her child will achieve some growth and development milestones may not be appropriate in this situation, as the child's disabilities are described as profound, and it is uncertain what milestones the child will reach. Providing false hope may not be helpful and could be misleading.
Choice D rationale:
Asking the mother if she has ever thought about harming herself or her child is an important inquiry related to her emotional state and the potential risk of harm. However, it should follow the initial response of encouraging her to express her thoughts and feelings in a journal.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Exploring changes in life that have occurred after the loss is the first action the nurse should take. This allows the nurse to assess the client's grief, identify specific stressors, and understand how the loss is impacting the client's daily life and emotional well-being. It provides valuable information for tailoring further interventions and support.
Choice B rationale:
Suggesting the need for a psychiatric consultation may be premature as the nurse should first assess the client's grief and coping mechanisms. Referral for psychiatric consultation should be considered if the client's emotional distress is severe, persistent, or significantly impacting their functioning.
Choice C rationale:
Offering a referral to pastoral counseling may be appropriate for some clients, but it should not be the first action. The nurse should assess the client's needs and preferences before making such a referral.
Choice D rationale:
Encouraging attendance at a local support group can be beneficial, but it should not be the initial step. The nurse should first assess the client's current emotional state and needs to determine the most appropriate interventions.
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