A nurse is caring for a client who has an endotracheal tube (ET) and is on mechanical ventilation. Which of the following actions should the nurse take for a ventilator alarm due to an increase in peak airway pressure? (Select all that apply.)

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.

Rationale:

A. Troponin level: Troponin is a cardiac biomarker used to detect myocardial injury or infarction. It is not an indicator of nutritional status and does not reflect protein levels or nutrient balance.

B. Serum albumin: Albumin is a plasma protein synthesized in the liver and commonly used as a marker of long-term nutritional status. Low levels may suggest protein-energy malnutrition or chronic illness affecting nutrient absorption or intake.

C. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate: ESR is a nonspecific marker of inflammation or infection. While chronic disease can indirectly affect nutrition, ESR does not directly assess nutrient levels or dietary sufficiency.

D. Serum sodium: Sodium levels reflect fluid balance and electrolyte status but are not indicators of nutritional status. They may be influenced by hydration, renal function, or hormonal imbalances, not by dietary protein intake.