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
A. Any history of heart disease: While a history of heart disease is important for general health, it is not the most critical factor prior to initiating sertraline. The nurse should still assess for cardiovascular conditions, but this is not the most pressing concern.
B. Familial history of mental illness: While a familial history of mental illness can inform treatment decisions, it is not the most immediate or critical piece of information before starting sertraline.
C. Current weight: Weight is generally not the primary consideration before starting sertraline. However, weight changes can occur during treatment, but this is more of a concern during the ongoing management of the medication.
D. Medication history: Sertraline, as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), can interact with other medications, especially those affecting serotonin levels (e.g., other antidepressants, MAO inhibitors, etc.). It is crucial to assess the client’s current medication history to prevent harmful drug interactions, such as serotonin syndrome. This is the most important information to gather before initiating treatment.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Vomiting, seizures, and loss of consciousness are more severe symptoms that are not typically associated with narcotic withdrawal but could indicate other medical issues.
Choice B rationale:
Agitation, sweating, and abdominal cramps are indicative of narcotic withdrawal. These symptoms are commonly associated with opioid withdrawal, especially when there are needle marks on the client's arms, which may suggest a history of opioid use. Opioid withdrawal symptoms can include restlessness, sweating, and gastrointestinal discomfort, such as abdominal cramps. Therefore, these findings should be documented and reported for further assessment and appropriate intervention related to narcotic withdrawal.
Choice C rationale:
Depression, fatigue, and dizziness are not specific to narcotic withdrawal and could be related to various conditions.
Choice D rationale:
Hypotension, shallow respirations, and dilated pupils may suggest opioid overdose rather than withdrawal.
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