A nurse is admitting a client who has experienced a weight loss of 11 kg (25 lb) in the past 3 months. The client weighs 40 kg (88 lbs) and believes she is fat. Which of the following aspects of care should the nurse consider the first priority for this client?
identify the client's nutritional status.
Provide a structured environment for the client.
Plan a therapeutic diet for the client
Request à mental health consult.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Identify the client's nutritional status.
Explanation:
Given the significant weight loss and the client's distorted belief about her body image (believing she is fat despite losing weight), it is crucial to assess the client's nutritional status first. Rapid weight loss and distorted body image are characteristic features of an eating disorder, such as anorexia nervosa. The nurse needs to determine the extent of malnutrition and potential medical complications related to inadequate nutrition. This assessment will guide the subsequent interventions.
Why the other choices are incorrect:
B. Provide a structured environment for the client.
While providing a structured environment can be important in managing eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, it is not the first priority. Understanding the client's nutritional status and medical condition takes precedence.
C. Plan a therapeutic diet for the client.
Planning a therapeutic diet may be part of the client's care plan, but without understanding the underlying nutritional status and potential eating disorder, creating a diet plan may not be effective or appropriate.
D. Request a mental health consult.
While a mental health consult is important for addressing the client's distorted body image and potential eating disorder, it should follow the assessment of nutritional status. The nutritional assessment provides critical information for both medical and psychological interventions.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "This medication may increase your blood pressure."
This statement is incorrect. Risperidone is not typically associated with significant increases in blood pressure. One of the potential side effects of risperidone is orthostatic hypotension, which is a drop in blood pressure when changing positions (e.g., standing up quickly). Therefore, this choice is not the best instruction to include in the teaching.
B. "Flu-like symptoms are an expected adverse effect of this medication."
This statement is incorrect. While risperidone can have side effects, flu-like symptoms are not commonly associated with it. Common side effects of risperidone may include dizziness, drowsiness, weight gain, and movement disorders. Flu-like symptoms are not a typical adverse effect of this medication.
C. "Avoid becoming overheated while taking this medication."
This statement is correct. Risperidone, like many other antipsychotic medications, can interfere with the body's ability to regulate temperature. This can lead to an increased risk of overheating, especially in hot weather or during vigorous physical activity. Therefore, it's important for patients taking risperidone to be cautious and avoid becoming overheated, as this could potentially lead to heat-related complications.
D. "Muscle twitches can occur the first few weeks while taking this medication."
This statement is incorrect. Muscle twitches are not a common side effect of risperidone. While it's true that some movement disorders can occur with antipsychotic medications, the statement is too specific to muscle twitches and does not accurately reflect the typical side effect profile of risperidone.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]
Explanation
A. Low self-esteem is a risk factor for depression because negative self-perception and feelings of worthlessness can contribute to the development of depressive symptoms.
B. Irritability is associated with depression, especially in adolescents. It can manifest as a mood symptom and is often seen alongside other depressive features.
C. Chronic pain can be both a symptom and a risk factor for depression. Persistent pain can lead to changes in mood, behavior, and physical function, contributing to the development of depressive symptoms.
D. Insomnia, or difficulty sleeping, is a common symptom of depression and can also be a risk factor. Sleep disturbances are often seen in individuals with depression, and they can contribute to the severity of the condition.
E. Euphoria is not a risk factor for depression. In fact, it is more commonly associated with conditions like bipolar disorder, where individuals experience periods of elevated mood (mania or hypomania) alternating with periods of depression.
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