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
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Exploring reasons for her behavior is important for understanding the underlying issues, but the immediate priority is to ensure the client's safety.
B. Providing strategies for redirecting violent behavior is a relevant intervention, but it is not the priority in this situation. Safety concerns related to self-harm take precedence.
C. Encouraging the client to talk about her feelings is a valuable therapeutic intervention, but in the context of borderline personality disorder, the immediate priority is to address the risk of self-harm. Once the client's safety is ensured, exploring feelings and developing coping strategies can be part of the ongoing therapeutic process.
D. Protecting the client from self-harm behavior is the priority because individuals with borderline personality disorder are at an increased risk of engaging in self-harming behaviors,
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Constantly talking about the traumatic experience is a symptom of intrusive thoughts and re-experiencing, which is characteristic of PTSD.
B. The client is easily startled by loud voices.
Individuals with PTSD often experience heightened arousal and increased reactivity to stimuli. Being easily startled by loud voices is a common symptom of hypervigilance and increased arousal seen in PTSD.
C. Reporting satisfying personal relationships with family and close friends is less likely in individuals with PTSD. PTSD can negatively impact interpersonal relationships due to symptoms such as emotional numbing, avoidance, and hypervigilance.
D. Constant drowsiness and sleeping 11-12 hours daily are not typical findings in PTSD. Individuals with PTSD may experience sleep disturbances, such as insomnia, nightmares, or hyperarousal-related sleep problems.
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