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 D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
An adult with schizophrenia who often refuses to take prescribed antipsychotic medications may require a different approach, such as medication education or supportive therapy.
Choice B rationale:
A hyperactive 4-year-old who has recently been tested for autism may benefit from play therapy or other age-appropriate interventions rather than role-playing.
Choice C rationale:
An older adult resident of a long-term care facility who sometimes takes other residents' belongings may require interventions focused on behavior management and addressing the underlying causes of this behavior.
Choice D rationale:
Role-playing can be an effective therapeutic intervention for individuals who need to practice social skills, communication, and problem-solving in a safe and controlled environment. In this case, the adolescent who is depressed over not being accepted by peers may benefit from role-playing to develop and practice social skills, assertiveness, and coping strategies for peer interactions.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. "Ask the client why she checks the locks."
Asking "why" questions may put the client on the defensive and does not effectively address the compulsive behavior. Clients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) often do not have a logical explanation for their compulsions.
B. "Determine the type and size of the locks."
This action does not address the client’s compulsive behavior and is not relevant to the nursing intervention. The focus should be on reducing the compulsive behavior rather than assessing the locks themselves.
C. "Discuss checking the time frequently."
This response does not directly address the client’s compulsive checking behavior. Instead, structured interventions that promote time management and coping strategies should be implemented.
D. "Plan a list of activities to be carried out daily."
Providing a structured daily schedule can help redirect the client’s focus away from compulsive behaviors and toward productive activities. A schedule can reduce anxiety and limit the time available for compulsions, promoting better functioning.
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