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A nurse is assisting with the care of a 14-year old client in the emergency department (ED) who has anorexia nervosa.

Physical Examination

Client appears preoccupied and displays poor concentration but is oriented X3. Client has very thin appearance, measuring 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 42.6 kg (94 lb). This calculates to 81% of ideal target weight. Client skin color is pallor with capillary refill greater than 2 seconds. When asked about fainting, client minimizes it and comments. "I was just tired. it was nothing."

Which of the following 5 findings require immediate follow-up by the nurse?

Sodium level

Blood pressure

Respiratory rate

Capillary refill

Glucose level

Phosphate level

Magnesium level

Answer and Explanation

Correct Answer : A,B,D

A. Sodium level: Correct. Sodium imbalances can have serious consequences, including neurological symptoms. Hyponatremia is a common electrolyte imbalance seen in anorexia nervosa.

B. Blood pressure: Correct. Abnormal blood pressure, especially low blood pressure, can indicate cardiovascular compromise, which is a concern in severe cases of anorexia nervosa.

C. Respiratory rate: Not selected. While monitoring respiratory rate is important, the client's pallor and capillary refill suggest potential issues with peripheral perfusion, making capillary refill more urgent.

D. Capillary refill: Correct. Prolonged capillary refill time is a measure of peripheral perfusion and may indicate poor tissue perfusion, requiring immediate attention.

E. Glucose level: Not selected. While monitoring glucose levels is important, hypoglycemia might not be an immediate concern in this scenario. The client's neurological symptoms may be more related to electrolyte imbalances.

F. Phosphate level: Not selected. Monitoring phosphate levels is important, but severe abnormalities may not require immediate follow-up unless other critical issues are addressed first.

G. Magnesium level: Not selected. Magnesium imbalances are significant but may not require immediate follow-up unless severe abnormalities are noted.

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Dental caries is not a specific complication commonly associated with heroin use. Dental issues may result from other substances or lifestyle factors.

B. Perforation of the nasal septum is a complication associated with the intranasal use of heroin. Chronic snorting or sniffing of heroin can damage the nasal septum, leading to a perforation.

C. Permanent effects on short-term memory loss are more commonly associated with the use of substances like cannabis or certain hallucinogens. Heroin use is not typically linked to permanent effects on short-term memory.

D. Pancreatitis is not a commonly reported complication of heroin use. Pancreatitis is more commonly associated with alcohol use disorder and gallstone-related issues.

A. Set limits on the amount of time the client talks about delusions, B. Schedule a variety of competitive stimulating group activities for the client C. Tell the client that the delusions are not real D. Avoid asking the client about triggers for the delusions

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Setting limits on the amount of time the client talks about delusions (option A) is not the most therapeutic approach. While it's important to redirect the client and encourage engagement in reality-based discussions, setting strict time limits may feel punitive and hinder the therapeutic relationship.

B. Scheduling a variety of competitive, stimulating group activities for the client (option B) may be overwhelming for someone experiencing paranoid delusions. It's essential to create a supportive and non-threatening environment.

C. Telling the client that the delusions are not real (option C) is generally not effective and can be counterproductive. Individuals with schizophrenia often have a strong belief in the reality of their delusions, and direct confrontation can lead to resistance and mistrust.

D. Avoiding asking the client about triggers for the delusions (option D) is a reasonable approach. Pressing the client for information about their delusions may increase anxiety and paranoia. It's more appropriate to build a trusting relationship before exploring potential triggers. As the therapeutic relationship develops, exploring triggers can be part of a comprehensive care plan.

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Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is assisting in the development of a community education course about the physical complications related to substance use disorder. Which of the following complications should the nurse include in the discussion about heroin use?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse in an acute care mental health facility is contributing to the plan of care for a client who is newly diagnosed with schizophrenia and is verbalizing paranoid delusions. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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