A nurse is caring for a client who appears anxious following a recent tragedy.
Which of the following statements by the client reflects an adaptive use of sublimation?

Choice A rationale: Communicating empathy for the client’s feelings to increase rapport is an important aspect of nursing care. It helps in building a therapeutic relationship with the client, which can facilitate better communication and cooperation during treatment. However, while this is a valuable intervention, it does not take priority over monitoring for adverse effects of refeeding in a client diagnosed with anorexia nervosa who has begun to gain weight.

Choice B rationale: Helping the patient balance energy expenditure and caloric intake is a crucial part of the treatment plan for anorexia nervosa. This intervention aims to ensure that the client is receiving adequate nutrition for their body’s needs without excessive energy expenditure that could hinder weight gain. However, this intervention is not as immediate a priority as monitoring for refeeding syndrome, which can have severe and potentially life-threatening consequences.

Choice C rationale: Assessing for adverse effects of refeeding is the priority nursing intervention in this scenario. Refeeding syndrome is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that can occur when nutritional replenishment is initiated in severely malnourished clients, such as those with anorexia nervosa. It is characterized by metabolic alterations, including hypophosphatemia, hypokalemia, and hypomagnesemia. These alterations can lead to serious complications, such as cardiac arrhythmias, respiratory failure, and neurological complications.

Therefore, early detection and management of refeeding syndrome are crucial.

Choice D rationale: Assessing for depression and anxiety during every shift assessment is an important part of psychiatric nursing care. Many individuals with anorexia nervosa also experience co-morbid psychiatric conditions, such as depression and anxiety disorders. Regular assessment can help detect any changes in the client’s mental status and prompt timely intervention. However, while this is an important aspect of care, it does not take priority over assessing for the adverse effects of refeeding.

Choice A rationale:

It is not accurate to state that the provider is required to notify the client's family of their admission. While providers may often choose to involve family members in the care of a client with MDD, this is not a mandatory requirement for voluntary admission.

Disclosing a client's admission without their consent could breach confidentiality and potentially damage trust between the client and healthcare team.

It's essential to respect the client's privacy and autonomy, and to obtain their permission before sharing any information with family members.

Choice C rationale:

It is incorrect to state that a client gives up their right to refuse psychotropic medications upon voluntary admission. Informed consent remains a crucial principle even in an acute mental health setting.

Clients have the right to decline medications or other treatments, even if healthcare providers believe those interventions would be beneficial.

It's important to engage in a collaborative discussion with the client, provide education about treatment options, and respect their decisions.

Choice D rationale:

It is misleading to suggest that a client cannot leave the facility until the provider completes a discharge summary and authorizes discharge.

While providers play a significant role in discharge planning, clients ultimately have the right to request discharge from voluntary admission, even if the provider does not fully agree with the decision.

Providers may need to initiate involuntary commitment procedures if a client poses a serious risk to themselves or others, but this is a separate process with specific legal requirements.

Choice B is the most accurate statement because it emphasizes the importance of informed consent throughout the treatment process. Even in a voluntary admission, clients retain their right to make decisions about their care and to be fully informed about the risks and benefits of any proposed treatments.