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?

Choice A: Lock the doors to the unit and secure windows so they cannot be opened: While removing potential means of self-harm from the environment is a safety precaution, it is not the most immediate or effective intervention for a client actively experiencing suicidal ideation who has refused a safety contract. Locking doors and windows may increase anxiety and feelings of entrapment, potentially exacerbating the client's distress and hindering open communication. Additionally, it may not address underlying emotional and psychological factors contributing to the suicidal thoughts.

Choice B: Remove any objects from the client's environment that could be used for self-harm: Similar to Choice A, removing potential means can be a helpful safety measure but should not be the primary intervention in this situation. It is important to recognize that clients can find alternative means if they are determined to self-harm, and focusing solely on environmental control can detract from addressing the root of the suicidal crisis.

Choice C: Assign a staff member to stay with the client at times: This option prioritizes the client's safety and emotional well-being by providing constant support and supervision. A dedicated staff member can:

Monitor the client's behavior and emotional state closely, potentially identifying early warning signs of impending self-harm.

Provide open and non-judgmental support, allowing the client to express their thoughts and feelings freely without fear of being alone with their distress.

Engage in therapeutic communication, helping the client explore alternative coping mechanisms and develop safety plans for managing suicidal urges.

Alert other healthcare professionals if the client's condition deteriorates or if there is any immediate risk of self- harm.

Offer a sense of security and reassurance, knowing someone is constantly available to listen and intervene if needed.

Choice D: Provide the client with plastic eating utensils for meals: While this precaution may reduce the risk of self- harm at mealtimes, it addresses a very specific concern and does not address the broader issue of the client's suicidal ideation. It is also important to consider that plastic utensils may not be effective in preventing self-harm if the client is determined and resourceful.

Therefore, assigning a staff member to stay with the client at all times is the most appropriate and immediate action to prioritize the client's safety and emotional well-being in this situation. This approach fosters open communication, provides continuous support, and allows for early intervention if necessary. While environmental controls and risk assessments can be valuable complementary strategies, they should not overshadow the importance of close human connection and emotional support in crisis situations.

Choice A rationale:

Altered body image is a hallmark feature of eating disorders. Individuals with eating disorders often have a distorted perception of their bodies, believing they are overweight or larger than they actually are. This distorted body image can lead to intense dissatisfaction with their appearance, even when they are underweight. They may engage in obsessive behaviors such as repeatedly checking their weight, measuring their body parts, and avoiding mirrors. They may also fixate on perceived flaws in their appearance, leading to significant distress and impairment in their daily lives.

Choice B rationale:

Amenorrhea, the absence of menstruation, is a common physiological consequence of eating disorders. It occurs due to hormonal imbalances caused by insufficient intake of calories and nutrients, particularly fat. The body requires a certain amount of body fat to maintain normal reproductive function. When body fat levels fall below a critical threshold, the hypothalamus, a part of the brain that regulates hormone production, signals the pituitary gland to reduce the production of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). These hormones play crucial roles in ovulation and menstruation. Without adequate levels of FSH and LH, ovulation and menstruation do not occur.

Choice C rationale:

Hyperactivity, characterized by excessive energy and restlessness, can manifest in individuals with eating disorders. This increased activity level may be a way to burn calories or compensate for perceived overeating. It may also be a way to distract themselves from thoughts about food and body image. The hyperactivity can present in various forms, such as excessive exercise, fidgeting, or constant movement.

Choice D rationale:

Bradycardia, a slower-than-normal heart rate, is another physiological sign that can accompany eating disorders. It occurs as the body attempts to conserve energy in response to inadequate caloric intake. The heart rate slows down to minimize energy expenditure. Bradycardia can have serious health implications, including fatigue, dizziness, fainting spells, and potentially life- threatening heart arrhythmias.

Choice E rationale:

Verbalized desire to gain weight is not a typical manifestation of eating disorders. Individuals with eating disorders often have a strong fear of weight gain and a persistent drive for thinness. They may actively resist efforts to increase their weight, even when they are dangerously underweight.