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","B","C"]
Explanation
The assessment findings that require immediate follow-up by the nurse are: muscle cramps, tingling sensation in arms and legs, and lightheadedness.
These are signs of electrolyte imbalance, which can be caused by missed dialysis sessions, dehydration, or infection. Electrolyte imbalance can lead to serious complications such as cardiac arrhythmias, seizures, or coma.
The nurse should monitor the client's vital signs, neurological status, and cardiac rhythm, and notify the physician for further orders. The nurse should also assess the client's fluid status, hydration, and nutritional intake, and provide education on the importance of adhering to the dialysis schedule and dietary restrictions.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Teaching the client to develop a plan for daily structured activities is a key intervention for addressing major depressive disorder with symptoms like psychomotor retardation, hypersomnia, and motivation. Structured activities can help the client regain a sense of purpose, improve motivation, and gradually return to a normal level of functioning.
Choice B rationale:
Encouraging exercise is generally beneficial for mental health, but it may not be the most effective intervention for addressing the specific symptoms mentioned in this scenario.
Choice C rationale:
Suggesting the client develop a list of pleasurable activities is a valuable intervention but may not directly address the psychomotor retardation and hypersomnia seen in this case.
Choice D rationale:
Providing education on methods to enhance sleep is important, especially if hypersomnia is a symptom, but it should be part of a broader treatment plan that also includes addressing psychomotor retardation and motivation.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today