A nurse is caring for a 20-year-old college student who has a 2-year history of bulimia nervosa. She tells the nurse, "I know my eating binges and vomiting are not normal, but I cannot do anything about them." Which of the following is a therapeutic response by the nurse?
"You should stop because you need to. You are destroying your health."
"Do you have any idea why you do this?"
"I'm proud of you for recognizing that this behavior is not normal."
"It seems like you are feeling helpless about this behavior."
The Correct Answer is D
A therapeutic response to the client's statement would be to acknowledge that the client feels helpless about the behavior. The nurse should avoid judging or criticizing the client and instead focus on offering support and empathy.
Options A and B are not therapeutic because they are confrontational and may make the client defensive. Option C is a well-intentioned but empty statement that does not offer any practical support or guidance to the client.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E"]
Explanation
"Stay with the client during meals and for 1 hr afterward," and "Monitor the client's weight daily after first voiding." These are important interventions for clients with anorexia nervosa, as they can help to prevent complications such as dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
Choice B, "Give the client a weight gain goal of 4 to 5 lb per week," is not an appropriate intervention, as it can be overwhelming and may promote unhealthy weight gain.
Choice D, "Encourage the client to keep a diary of daily food intake," may be helpful for some clients, but is not a priority intervention.
Choice E, "Offer specific privileges for sustained weight gain," is not an appropriate intervention.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Moderate. According to the Mayo Clinic moderate anxiety is characterized by symptoms such as loud and rapid speech, difficulty concentrating, restlessness, and increased worry. The client's behavior matches these symptoms, indicating that they are experiencing moderate anxiety.

Choice B. Panic is incorrect because panic is a severe form of anxiety that involves symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, trembling, and a sense of impending doom. The client does not exhibit these symptoms.
Choice C. Severe is incorrect because severe anxiety is marked by symptoms such as irrational fear, detachment from reality, hallucinations, and loss of control¹². The client does not show these symptoms.
Choice D. Mild is incorrect because mild anxiety is associated with symptoms such as nervousness, increased alertness, and slight discomfort¹². The client's symptoms are more intense than mild anxiety.
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