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 B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Cocaine is a stimulant and typically leads to increased heart rate (tachycardia) and respiratory rate (tachypnea). Bradycardia (slow heart rate) and bradypnea (slow respiratory rate) would be atypical findings with cocaine use.
Choice B rationale:
Cocaine is a stimulant drug that typically produces effects such as increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, stimulation, euphoria, and dilated pupils. These physiological and psychological effects are common when someone has used cocaine.
Choice C rationale:
While cocaine use can cause hallucinations and paranoia during intoxication or withdrawal, these symptoms are not typically the primary manifestations. The most common initial effects are stimulation and increased alertness.
Hallucinations and delusions may occur with substance use, but they are not the most expected or specific findings for cocaine use.
Choice D rationale:
Cocaine use is associated with increased energy, euphoria, and heightened arousal. Lethargy and depression are more likely during the comedown phase or withdrawal from cocaine, rather than immediately after use.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Assisting the client with relaxation techniques within the group is an appropriate and immediate intervention for managing severe anxiety. This approach can help the client regulate their anxiety levels and provide a sense of support in the therapeutic environment.
Choice B rationale:
Escorting the client from the group to reduce stimuli may be considered if the client's anxiety becomes overwhelming and they cannot manage it within the group setting. However, it is generally preferable to try in-group interventions first.
Choice C rationale:
Providing education about ways to cope with anxiety is valuable, but it may not be the most effective intervention in the moment when the client is already experiencing severe anxiety. Practical techniques should be initiated first.
Choice D rationale:
Asking the client to describe and identify the source of the feelings may be a useful therapeutic technique in individual therapy sessions but may not be the best immediate intervention during a group therapy session when the focus is on managing acute anxiety.
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