A nurse in an acute care facility is caring for a client who has anorexia nervosa.
During the first week of care, which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Allow the client to eat meals in his room.
Weigh the client every 48 hr.
Obtain the client's vital signs every other day.
Observe the client for 1 hr after meals.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
Allowing the client to eat meals in his room might not be the best approach. Patients with anorexia nervosa often have distorted body image and may engage in secretive behaviors related to food intake. Supervised meals and observation during and after meals are essential to prevent behaviors like purging.
Choice B rationale:
Weighing the client every 48 hours is not frequent enough for a patient with anorexia nervosa. Daily weight monitoring is crucial in these cases because rapid weight loss or fluctuations can indicate worsening malnutrition, dehydration, or other medical complications.
Choice C rationale:
Obtaining vital signs every other day might not provide an accurate picture of the client's overall health status, especially during the critical early phase of care. In anorexia nervosa, patients are at risk of severe complications such as electrolyte imbalances, cardiac issues, and malnutrition, which can rapidly change and require close monitoring.
Choice D rationale:
Observing the client for 1 hour after meals is a crucial nursing intervention for individuals with anorexia nervosa. After meals, these patients are at risk of engaging in purging behaviors like vomiting or excessive exercise to compensate for caloric intake. Close observation can help prevent these behaviors and ensure the client's safety.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
- A. Incorrect. The nurse should assess the client's IV site every hour to prevent infection and phlebitis.
- B. Incorrect. The nurse should check the client's WBC count every day to monitor for signs of infection or bone marrow suppression.
- C. Correct. The nurse should monitor the client's mouth every 8 hr for signs of oral candidiasis, which is a common fungal infection in immunosuppressed clients.\
- D. Incorrect. The nurse should change the client's IV tubing every 24 hr to reduce the risk of bacterial contamination.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
- A. Chest x-ray is not correct because it is not related to valproic acid therapy or its adverse effects.
- B. Serum liver enzyme levels is correct because valproic acid can cause hepatotoxicity and liver function tests should be monitored regularly.
- C. ABGS is not correct because it is not indicated for valproic acid therapy or its adverse effects.
- D. Urine culture and sensitivity is not correct because it is not related to valproic acid therapy or its adverse effects.
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