A nurse is caring for a 19-year-old client in the emergency department who reports passing out while at school.

The vital signs are as follows: BP 84/48 mm Hg, Pulse rate 48/min, Respiratory rate 16/min, Temperature 36.4° C (97.5 F). A nurse is assessing the client for manifestations of anorexia nervosa.

Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Client's hair appears brittle and thin.

Client has soft, unpigmented hair on arms.

Client comments that they are too thin and needs to gain weight.

Client reports preoccupation with thoughts about food.

Client voices being "too tired" and lacks interest in daily workouts at the gym.

Client reports consuming around 600 c

Answer and Explanation

Correct Answer : A,B,D,E

Choice A rationale: Brittle and thin hair is a common physical manifestation of anorexia nervosa. This is due to malnutrition, which affects the health and quality of hair.

Choice B rationale: The presence of soft, unpigmented hair on the arms (and other parts of the body) is known as lanugo.

It’s a type of fine hair that the body produces in response to severe malnutrition, often seen in cases of anorexia nervosa.

The body grows lanugo in an attempt to provide insulation and maintain body heat, due to the loss of insulating body fat.

Choice C rationale: Individuals with anorexia nervosa typically have a distorted body image and often perceive themselves as overweight, even when they are underweight.

Therefore, it’s unlikely for them to comment that they are too thin and need to gain weight.

Choice D rationale: Preoccupation with thoughts about food is a common psychological symptom of anorexia nervosa. Individuals with this disorder often spend a lot of time thinking about food, dieting, and body weight.

Choice E rationale: Feeling “too tired” and lacking interest in daily workouts can be a result of the physical exhaustion and weakness caused by severe calorie restriction and malnutrition in anorexia nervosa.

Choice F rationale: The client’s report of consuming around 600 calories per day is not provided in the question. Therefore, it cannot be evaluated.

In conclusion, the nurse should expect to find brittle and thin hair, soft unpigmented hair on the arms, preoccupation with thoughts about food, and lack of energy or interest in daily activities in a client with anorexia nervosa.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Suppression involves the conscious, intentional effort to push unwanted thoughts, feelings, or memories out of awareness. It is not evident in the client's statement, as they are not actively trying to forget or avoid their alcohol use. Instead, they are attempting to justify it.

Choice B Rationale:

Rationalization is the defense mechanism most clearly demonstrated in the client's statement. It involves creating false but seemingly logical reasons to justify unacceptable behavior or feelings. The client is attributing their alcohol use to external factors (their boss and job requirements) rather than taking responsibility for their own choices and actions. This allows them to avoid confronting the reality of their addiction and the need for change.

Key characteristics of rationalization that align with the client's statement:

Externalizing blame: The client places responsibility for their drinking on their boss and job, rather than acknowledging their own agency.

Minimizing the problem: The client suggests that their drinking was merely a necessary part of their job, downplaying the extent of their alcohol use and its negative consequences.

Avoiding negative emotions: By shifting blame, the client protects themselves from feelings of guilt, shame, and responsibility associated with their addiction.

Choice C Rationale:

Reaction formation involves behaving in a way that is opposite to one's true feelings or impulses. This is not evident in the client's statement, as they are not expressing overly negative or critical attitudes towards alcohol. Instead, they are attempting to justify their use of it.

Choice D Rationale:

Compensation involves overemphasizing a desirable trait or behavior to make up for a perceived weakness or deficiency. This is not evident in the client's statement, as they are not highlighting any positive qualities or accomplishments to offset their alcohol use.

A. Plan the client's schedule to allow time for rituals. B. Set strict limits on the behaviors so that the client can conform to the unit rules and schedules. C. Confront the client about the senseless nature of the repetitive behaviors. D. Isolate the client for a period of time.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

1. Understanding OCD:

OCD is a chronic mental health condition characterized by intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions).

Individuals with OCD feel compelled to perform rituals to relieve anxiety or prevent perceived harm, even if they recognize the behaviors as excessive or irrational.

Rituals can consume significant time and interfere with daily functioning.

2. Rationale for Choice A:

Acknowledges the client's needs: Planning for rituals demonstrates understanding and acceptance of the client's experience, fostering trust and rapport.

Reduces anxiety: Allowing time for rituals can temporarily reduce anxiety, making the client more receptive to other interventions.

Gradual approach: It's a stepping stone towards Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), the gold-standard treatment for OCD.

Enhances control: Scheduling rituals can help the client feel more in control, reducing the urge to engage in them compulsively.

3. Addressing potential concerns:

Reinforcing rituals: While there's a possibility of temporarily reinforcing rituals, it's a necessary first step to build trust and engagement in therapy.

Interfering with treatment: Scheduling rituals is a part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes ERP and other therapies to address the underlying causes of OCD.

4. Importance of individualized care:

The specific approach to planning for rituals should be tailored to the client's unique needs, preferences, and severity of symptoms.

Collaboration with the client is essential to ensure their active participation in treatment. I'll now address the rationales for the incorrect choices:

Choice B rationale:

Setting strict limits on behaviors can be counterproductive: Triggers anxiety and distress

Impedes trust and therapeutic alliance Diminishes sense of control

Heightens resistance to treatment

Choice C rationale:

Confronting the client about the senselessness of rituals is ineffective and potentially harmful: Exacerbates anxiety and shame

Alienates the client

Disregards the involuntary nature of OCD Undermines motivation for treatment Choice D rationale:

Isolating the client is unethical and detrimental:

Increases distress and loneliness Impedes therapeutic interactions Reinforces negative self-perceptions

Lacks evidence of efficacy in OCD treatment

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is admitting a client to an alcohol abuse program. The client states, "I'm here because of my boss.It was part of my job to go to parties and drink with clients." The client's statement is an example of which of the following defense mechanisms?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse in a mental health facility is planning care for a client who has obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and is newly admitted to the unit. Which of the following actions should the mental health nurse plan to take regarding the client's compulsive behaviors?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who requires a crisis intervention for acute anxiety. Which of the following actions should be the nurse's highest priority?

A nurse is providing a community health education class about suicide prevention.Which of the following should the nurse identify as risk factors for suicide? (Select all that apply).

A nurse is caring for a client in the emergency department (ED). The client comes to the ED via ambulance. The client has a history of bipolar disorder and is experiencing acute mania. Select the 3 prescriptions that the nurse should anticipate for this client.

A nurse is making a home visit for a 16-year-old adolescent who attempted suicide. Which of the following behaviors should alert the nurse that the adolescent still has suicidal intent?

A nurse in an outpatient mental health clinic is caring for a client who has anorexia nervosa. The nurse is assessing the client during a follow-up visit.Which of the following findings indicate a therapeutic response to the treatment plan? (Select all that apply.)

A mental health nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who self-harms. Which of the following pieces of information should the nurse identify as placing the client at risk for self-harm behaviors?

A nurse manager is discussing suicide with nursing staff.Which of the following should the manager identify as risk factors for suicide? (Select all that apply.)