A nurse is caring for a client who has bulimia nervosa.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Observe the client during and after meals.
Suggest that the client assist with meal planning.
Instruct the client about effective coping strategies.
Refer the client to a support group for clients who have eating disorders.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
The nurse's first action when caring for a client with bulimia nervosa should be to observe the client during and after meals. This is essential to monitor for signs of binge-eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as vomiting or the misuse of laxatives. Timely observation can help ensure the client's safety and provide an opportunity for immediate intervention if necessary.
Choice B rationale:
Suggesting that the client assist with meal planning can be a beneficial intervention, but it should not be the first action. Clients with bulimia nervosa often have complex emotional and psychological issues related to their eating habits, so it's crucial to address the immediate risks of binge-purge episodes before moving on to meal planning.
Choice C rationale:
Instructing the client about effective coping strategies is important for long-term recovery, but it should not be the first action. Immediate safety concerns, such as monitoring for binge-purge behaviors, take precedence in the initial care of a client with bulimia nervosa.
Choice D rationale:
Referring the client to a support group is a valuable intervention in the long-term management of bulimia nervosa, but it should not be the first action. The immediate priority is to assess and address any acute risks associated with the disorder, such as binge-purge episodes.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Decreased skin turgor. Decreased skin turgor is a sign of dehydration rather than fluid overload. In fluid overload, the body retains excess fluid, leading to symptoms like crackles in the lungs, edema, and increased blood pressure. Decreased skin turgor is more characteristic of dehydration, where the body loses fluid.
Choice B rationale:
Decreased blood pressure. Decreased blood pressure is not typically a manifestation of fluid overload. Fluid overload often leads to increased blood pressure as the heart has to work harder to pump excess fluid throughout the body.
Choice C rationale:
Weight loss. Weight loss is not a manifestation of fluid overload. In fact, fluid overload may lead to weight gain due to the retention of excess fluid in the body.
Choice D rationale:
Crackles heard in the lungs. Crackles heard in the lungs are a common manifestation of fluid overload. When there is an excessive accumulation of fluid in the lungs, it can interfere with the exchange of gases and cause crackling sounds during breathing. This is a significant clinical finding that indicates the need for intervention and assessment of fluid balance.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
"I will notify my doctor if the stoma starts to look purple" indicates an understanding of the importance of monitoring the colostomy site for signs of compromised blood flow or ischemia. A purple or bluish color of the stoma may suggest reduced blood supply, which is a critical concern and should be reported promptly to the healthcare provider.
Choice B rationale:
"I should expect my stool to be formed" is incorrect. In a colostomy, the type of stool output will depend on the location of the colostomy and the surgical procedure performed. Stool consistency can vary, and it may be formed or semi-formed depending on the individual and the specific situation. Expecting formed stool may not always be accurate.
Choice C rationale:
"I will no longer be able to eat nuts" is not necessarily true for all individuals with a colostomy. While some people may experience digestive difficulties with certain foods, including nuts, it is not a universal rule. Dietary restrictions should be discussed with a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian based on the individual's specific condition and needs.
Choice D rationale:
"I will irrigate the colostomy every day" is not a recommended practice for all colostomy patients. Colostomy irrigation is a procedure that may be performed by some individuals with descending or sigmoid colostomies to regulate bowel movements. However, it is not necessary or appropriate for all colostomy patients. The need for colostomy irrigation should be determined by the healthcare provider and discussed with the patient as part of their individualized care plan.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.