A nurse is assessing a patient with an eating disorder. The patient states, "I feel so fat and disgusting." Which response by the nurse is appropriate?
"You should try to eat healthier and exercise more.”
"You're not fat, you're beautiful just the way you are.”
"I understand how you feel. Many people with eating disorders struggle with body image.”
"You need to stop worrying about your weight and focus on other things.”
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Monitoring vital signs and weight. While monitoring vital signs and weight is an essential aspect of patient care, it primarily focuses on the physical health of the patient. In the case of an eating disorder, the underlying psychological and emotional issues also need attention, which is not addressed solely by monitoring vital signs and weight. The patient's emotional well-being and coping strategies are equally important in promoting overall recovery.
Choice B rationale:
Providing positive reinforcement for eating. Positive reinforcement can be helpful in encouraging desired behaviors; however, focusing solely on positive reinforcement for eating might oversimplify the complexities of treating an eating disorder. Eating disorders are often rooted in psychological factors, and addressing the underlying causes and emotions is crucial. Providing positive reinforcement might not address the emotional challenges the patient is facing, and a more comprehensive approach is needed.
Choice C rationale:
Teaching coping skills and stress management techniques. This is the correct choice. Eating disorders are often connected to emotional distress, poor body image, and stress. Teaching coping skills and stress management techniques empowers the patient to develop healthier ways of dealing with emotions and triggers that may contribute to their eating disorder. By addressing the emotional aspect, the patient is better equipped to manage their disorder and work towards recovery.
Choice D rationale:
Involving the family in the treatment process. Involving the family in the treatment process can be beneficial, as family support is important for recovery. However, it's not the most appropriate intervention on its own. Eating disorders are complex and individualized, and addressing the patient's personal coping mechanisms and emotional well-being should be the primary focus. Family involvement can be part of a comprehensive treatment plan, but it should not replace teaching the patient coping skills and stress management techniques.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Increased levels of cortisol and thyroid hormones. While stress-induced changes in cortisol levels can be seen in individuals with eating disorders, they are not the primary pathophysiological changes associated with these disorders. Cortisol plays a role in the body's response to stress and can contribute to weight gain, but altered levels of other hormones have a more direct impact on eating behaviors in individuals with eating disorders.
Choice B rationale:
Decreased levels of growth hormone and insulin. Growth hormone and insulin do play a role in metabolism and growth, but their levels are not commonly altered in eating disorders in the same way that hormones like leptin and ghrelin are. Altered levels of growth hormone and insulin can lead to metabolic disturbances, but these are not the hallmark changes seen in individuals with eating disorders.
Choice C rationale:
Altered levels of leptin and ghrelin. This is the correct choice. Leptin and ghrelin are two hormones that play a significant role in regulating hunger and satiety. Leptin, produced by adipose tissue, signals to the brain when energy stores are sufficient, thereby reducing appetite. Ghrelin, produced by the stomach, stimulates appetite and promotes food intake. In individuals with eating disorders, these hormones can become dysregulated, leading to disrupted hunger and fullness cues, and contributing to the development and maintenance of the disorder.
Choice D rationale:
Elevated levels of sex hormones and growth hormone. Elevated levels of sex hormones are not a primary pathophysiological change associated with eating disorders. Growth hormone, while important for growth and metabolism, is not a central player in the hormonal changes that drive eating disorder behaviors. Leptin and ghrelin are more directly involved in the dysregulation of eating behaviors seen in these disorders.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Stabilizing the patient's physical condition. For individuals with severe eating disorders, especially anorexia nervosa, the priority is often to address their physical health and stabilize any medical complications arising from malnutrition. This might involve medical interventions, nutritional rehabilitation, and closely monitoring vital signs to prevent serious health consequences.
Choice B rationale:
Addressing the psychological aspects of the disorder. While addressing the psychological aspects is an integral part of treating eating disorders, it's crucial to prioritize physical health when dealing with severe cases. Malnutrition can lead to various medical complications, including electrolyte imbalances, organ damage, and cardiac issues. Without addressing the physical health first, psychological interventions might be less effective.
Choice C rationale:
Preventing relapse and maintaining recovery. Preventing relapse and maintaining recovery are important aspects of long-term treatment, but they become more relevant after the patient's physical condition has been stabilized. Once the immediate physical risks are minimized, efforts can shift toward addressing psychological factors and developing strategies to prevent relapse.
Choice D rationale:
Providing ongoing follow-up care. Ongoing follow-up care is essential for individuals with eating disorders to ensure that they continue to progress in their recovery journey and to monitor any potential relapse signs. However, this becomes more pertinent once the patient's physical condition has been stabilized and initial treatment has been provided.
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