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 C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
While completing a thorough room search to remove potential self-harming objects is important, it should follow the immediate need for monitoring and intervention.
Choice B rationale:
Providing time alone in the client's room may not be appropriate when the client is exhibiting signs of distress and increased risk.
Choice C rationale:
Closely monitoring the client and having staff intervene as needed (Choice C) is the most important intervention in this situation. Clients with a history of self-mutilation who display signs of increased tension and agitation may be at higher risk for engaging in self-harming behaviors. Close observation and intervention can help prevent self-harm and ensure the client's safety.
Choice D rationale:
Giving firm, consistent expectations is important in the overall care plan but may not be effective in acute situations where immediate monitoring and intervention are required.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Rationale:
Ecchymotic blood accumulations (bruises) are indicative of possible trauma or injury to the scalp. In this case, it suggests that the hair loss is likely due to physical manipulation (such as pulling or arranging the hair to cover bald spots) rather than a medical condition.
Choice B rationale:
This choice suggests that evidence of patches of lost hair would be indicative of non-disease-related hair loss. However, this is not necessarily true. Medical conditions, such as alopecia areata, can also cause patchy hair loss without physical trauma. Therefore, it is not a definitive indicator that hair loss is not disease-related.
Choice C rationale:
Episodic complaints of pruritus (itching) could be associated with various scalp conditions, including those that lead to hair loss. Itching alone does not rule out disease-related hair loss. In fact, some medical conditions can cause both itching and hair loss.
Choice D rationale:
Erythema (redness) of localized lesions may suggest inflammation but does not necessarily indicate non-disease-related hair loss. Medical conditions can also cause localized inflammation and hair loss.
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