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 ["A","C","E"]
Explanation
Since the client is experiencing upper chest discomfort and coughing up sputum, it is important to assess their oxygen saturation level. This finding can provide vital information about the client's respiratory status and the adequacy of their oxygenation.
The client's report of upper chest discomfort and coughing up thick clear sputum should prompt an assessment of their respiratory rate. Abnormal respiratory rates may indicate respiratory distress or compromise, which requires immediate attention.
Assessing the client's current level of consciousness is crucial, as any sudden changes in their mental status may indicate a serious underlying issue. Since the client has a history of Parkinson's disease and reported "feeling bad," it is important to evaluate their neurological status promptly.
The other options listed (tremors, heart rate, and chronic health condition) may also require follow-up, but they are not the most immediate concerns in this situation.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
- A is incorrect because assessing the apical pulse while the newborn is crying can result in an inaccurate measurement due to increased heart rate and respiratory rate.
- B is incorrect because palpating the radial pulse for 30 seconds is not appropriate for a newborn as it can be difficult to locate and count accurately.
- C is incorrect because listening to the apical pulse while palpating the radial pulse is not necessary for a newborn and can be confusing and time-consuming.
- D is correct because auscultating the apical pulse at least 1 min is the best way to assess a newborn's heart rate as it provides an accurate and reliable measurement.
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