A nurse is caring for a client in an emergency department (ED).

Exhibits

Which of the following findings in the client's medical record requires follow-up by the nurse? Select all that apply

Rationale:

A. Obtaining the initial assessment of assigned clients: Initial assessments require nursing judgment and are part of the nursing process, which cannot be delegated to assistive personnel. Only licensed nurses may perform comprehensive initial assessments.

B. Changing a nonsterile dressing: This is a routine and predictable task that does not require clinical judgment and can be safely delegated to assistive personnel, depending on facility policy and the client’s condition.

C. Interpreting a client's diagnostic laboratory results: Interpretation of lab values requires analysis and clinical decision-making, which are nursing responsibilities. Assistive personnel are not licensed to interpret or evaluate clinical data.

D. Educating a client and family members on home care: Client education involves assessing understanding, using clinical knowledge, and adapting teaching methods, functions reserved for licensed nurses, not assistive personnel.

Rationale:

• Encourage the client to discuss their feelings: Encouraging emotional expression is a key therapeutic approach in managing bulimia nervosa. It allows the client to explore underlying psychological issues, such as anxiety and fear of weight gain, which often contribute to disordered eating behaviors.
• Provide a reduced sodium diet: Sodium restriction is not indicated in this client. In fact, the client has a slightly low sodium level (134 mEq/L), and further restriction could worsen electrolyte imbalances, which are already contributing to cardiac instability.
• Request a prescription for fluoxetine: Fluoxetine, an SSRI, is approved for the treatment of bulimia nervosa and can reduce the frequency of binge-purge episodes. It is also effective in treating coexisting anxiety or depressive symptoms, which are common in this population.
• Request a prescription for bupropion: Bupropion is contraindicated in clients with eating disorders due to its seizure risk. In clients with bulimia, frequent vomiting and low electrolytes increase this risk significantly, making bupropion an inappropriate choice.
• Monitor daily intake and output: Monitoring intake and output helps evaluate hydration status and kidney function, both of which may be compromised due to chronic purging. It also helps track nutritional rehabilitation and prevent complications from electrolyte shifts.