A nurse in an outpatient mental health clinic is treating a client who has bulimia nervosa.
A nurse is assessing the client during a follow-up visit. Select the 4 assessments that indicate a therapeutic response to the treatment plan.
Potassium level
ECG report
BUN level
Laxative usage
overeating cycle/purging
Coping skills
Correct Answer : A,D,E,F
Choice A: Potassium Level
Reason: Monitoring potassium levels is crucial in clients with bulimia nervosa due to the risk of hypokalemia (low potassium levels), which can result from frequent vomiting and laxative abuse. Hypokalemia can lead to serious complications, including cardiac arrhythmias. In this case, the client’s potassium level improved from 3.2 mEq/L (below the normal range of 3.5 to 5 mEq/L) on June 1 to 3.7 mEq/L (within the normal range) on June 15. This improvement indicates a positive response to treatment, as it suggests that the client is experiencing fewer episodes of vomiting or laxative abuse, leading to better electrolyte balance.
Choice B: ECG Report
Reason: While the ECG report is important for assessing cardiac health, it is not a direct indicator of therapeutic response to bulimia nervosa treatment. The presence of premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) on the ECG can be related to electrolyte imbalances, particularly hypokalemia. However, the ECG itself does not provide information about the client’s behaviors or coping mechanisms, which are more directly related to the treatment of bulimia
nervosa. Therefore, while the ECG report is useful for monitoring cardiac health, it is not one of the primary indicators of therapeutic response in this context.
Choice C: BUN Level
Reason: Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) levels can indicate kidney function and hydration status. Elevated BUN levels, as seen in this client (28 mg/dL on June 1 and 26 mg/dL on June 15, with a normal range of 10 to 20 mg/dL), may suggest dehydration or impaired kidney function. However, BUN levels are not specific indicators of therapeutic
response to bulimia nervosa treatment. They do not directly reflect changes in the client’s eating behaviors, purging habits, or coping skills. Therefore, while monitoring BUN levels is important for overall health, it is not a primary indicator of therapeutic response in this case.
Choice D: Laxative Usage
Reason: Reducing or eliminating laxative usage is a significant indicator of therapeutic response in clients with bulimia nervosa. Laxative abuse is a common purging behavior in bulimia nervosa, and its reduction indicates progress in treatment. The client’s report of laxative usage provides direct insight into their purging behaviors. A
decrease in laxative use suggests that the client is gaining better control over their eating disorder and is adhering to the treatment plan. This behavioral change is a critical component of recovery and indicates a positive therapeutic response.
Choice E: Overeating Cycle/Purging
Reason: Assessing changes in the client’s overeating and purging cycle is essential for evaluating therapeutic response. Bulimia nervosa is characterized by cycles of binge eating followed by purging behaviors such as vomiting or laxative abuse. A reduction in the frequency or severity of these cycles indicates that the client is responding well to treatment. The client’s self-reported behaviors regarding overeating and purging provide valuable information about their progress. A decrease in these behaviors suggests that the client is developing healthier eating patterns and coping mechanisms, which are key goals of treatment.
Choice F: Coping Skills
Reason: Developing effective coping skills is a crucial aspect of treatment for bulimia nervosa. Clients often use disordered eating behaviors as a way to cope with emotional distress. By learning and implementing healthier coping strategies, clients can reduce their reliance on harmful behaviors such as binge eating and purging. Assessing the client’s coping skills involves evaluating their ability to manage stress, emotions, and triggers in a healthy manner. Improvement in coping skills indicates that the client is making progress in their recovery and is better equipped to handle challenges without resorting to disordered eating behaviors.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]
Explanation
Choice A: Time the duration of the seizure
Reason: Timing the duration of a seizure is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it helps in determining the type of seizure and its severity. Seizures lasting more than 5 minutes are considered medical emergencies and may require immediate intervention to prevent complications such as status epilepticus, which is a prolonged seizure that can cause brain damage or death. By recording the start and end times, healthcare providers can assess the effectiveness of treatments and make necessary adjustments. Additionally, this information is vital for documenting the patient’s medical history and for future reference in managing the condition.
Choice B: Administer supplemental oxygen to the client
Reason: Administering supplemental oxygen is essential during a seizure, especially when the client’s oxygen saturation levels drop below the normal range of 95-100%. In the provided scenario, the client’s oxygen saturation is 86%, which is significantly low and indicates hypoxemia. Hypoxemia can lead to further complications, including brain damage due to insufficient oxygen supply. Providing supplemental oxygen helps maintain adequate oxygen levels in the blood, ensuring that vital organs, including the brain, receive enough oxygen to function properly. This intervention is critical in preventing hypoxic injuries and promoting recovery post-seizure.
Choice C: Place a tongue depressor in the client’s mouth
Reason: Placing a tongue depressor in the client’s mouth during a seizure is not recommended and can be dangerous. This outdated practice was once believed to prevent the client from biting their tongue, but it poses significant risks. The client could bite down on the depressor, causing dental injuries or even breaking the depressor, leading to choking hazards. Modern seizure management guidelines advise against placing any objects in the mouth during a seizure. Instead, the focus should be on ensuring the client’s safety by clearing the area of any harmful objects and positioning them safely.
Choice D: Turn the client to the side
Reason: Turning the client to the side, also known as the recovery position, is a critical intervention during a seizure. This position helps maintain an open airway and reduces the risk of aspiration, which can occur if the client vomits or has excessive saliva. Aspiration can lead to serious respiratory complications, including pneumonia. By positioning the client on their side, gravity helps drain fluids from the mouth, preventing them from entering the airway9. This simple yet effective measure is a standard practice in seizure management to ensure the client’s safety and comfort.
Choice E: Restrain the client
Reason: Restraining a client during a seizure is not recommended and can be harmful. Seizures involve involuntary muscle contractions, and attempting to restrain the client can lead to injuries such as fractures, muscle tears, or dislocations. Additionally, restraint can increase the client’s agitation and stress, potentially worsening the seizure. The appropriate approach is to ensure the client’s safety by removing nearby objects that could cause injury and allowing the seizure to run its course. Gentle guidance and support should be provided without applying force.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: A private room in a quiet location on the unit is the best option for a client in the manic phase of bipolar disorder. This environment minimizes stimulation and distractions, which can help reduce agitation and hyperactivity. It also allows for better control of the client’s environment, which is crucial for managing manic symptoms.
Choice B reason: A private room across from the exercise room is not ideal because the proximity to the exercise room can increase stimulation and noise, potentially exacerbating manic symptoms. Clients in the manic phase need a calm and quiet environment to help stabilize their mood.
Choice C reason: A semi-private room across from the day room is also not suitable. The day room is typically a busy area with a lot of activity and noise, which can be overstimulating for a client in the manic phase. Sharing a room with another client can further increase the risk of agitation and conflict.
Choice D reason: A semi-private room across from the snack area is not recommended for similar reasons. The snack area is likely to have frequent traffic and noise, which can be disruptive. Additionally, sharing a room can lead to increased stimulation and potential conflicts with a roommate.
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.