A nurse is caring for a client who has borderline personality disorder (BPD). As part of the client's plan of care, the nurse reviews the day's schedule with the client each morning.
As the nurse begins to review the schedule with the client, the client says, "Why don't you shut up already? I can read it myself, you know!" Which of the following responses should the nurse give the client?

Choice A rationale: Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by relentless drive for thinness with a fear of gaining body weight associated with self-induced behaviors towards thinness. Symptoms include extreme weight loss, thin appearance, intense fear of gaining weight, bingeing and purging, abnormal blood counts, fatigue, insomnia, dizziness or fainting, bluish discoloration of the fingers, hair that thins, breaks or falls out, soft, downy hair covering the body, amenorrhea (absence of menstruation), constipation, dry or yellowish skin, intolerance of cold, irregular heart rhythms, low blood pressure, dehydration, osteoporosis, swelling of arms or legs. However, the client’s symptoms do not align with those of anorexia nervosa.

Choice B rationale: Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by binge eating, followed by methods to avoid weight gain. Symptoms include binge eating, forceful vomiting, long-term fear of gaining weight, preoccupation with weight and body, a strong negative self-image, overuse of laxatives or diuretics, use of supplements or herbs for weight loss, excessive exercises, stained teeth (from stomach acid), calluses on the back of the hands, withdrawal from normal social activities. The client’s symptoms of using laxatives frequently and running for 1 hr after eating a very large meal, which happens at least 9 times a week, align with those of bulimia nervosa.

Choice C rationale: Histrionic personality disorder (HPD) is a mental health condition characterized by unstable emotions, a distorted self-image and a desire to be noticed. Symptoms include persistent attention seeking, dramatic behavior, rapidly shifting and shallow emotions, sexually provocative behavior, undetailed style of speech, and a tendency to consider relationships more intimate than they actually are. The client’s symptoms of feelings of anxiety and depression, starting smoking marijuana as that is what their “new friends do all the time”, and being recently arrested for stealing make-up from a local department store and acknowledging that this “is the first time I was caught” align with those of HPD.

The correct answer is choiceAandE.

Choice A rationale:

Monitoring the client’s weight daily is crucial in managing anorexia nervosa.It helps track the client’s progress and ensures that any significant weight changes are promptly addressed.

Choice B rationale:

Allowing the client to choose their meals can be counterproductive.Clients with anorexia nervosa may make choices that do not support their nutritional needs, potentially exacerbating their condition.

Choice C rationale:

Allowing the client to practice strenuous exercises is not advisable.Strenuous exercise can further deplete the client’s already low energy reserves and exacerbate malnutrition.

Choice D rationale:

Staying with the client during meals and for 2 hours after meals is incorrect.The recommended practice is to stay with the client for 30 minutes after meals to monitor for any purging behaviors.

Choice E rationale:

Providing the client with small meals frequently is beneficial. It helps in managing their nutritional intake without overwhelming them, which can be more acceptable and manageable for clients with anorexia nervosa.