A nurse is caring for a client who has generalized anxiety disorder and is taking buspirone. Which of the following adverse effects should the nurse report to the provider?

The correct answer/s is Choice/s.

Choice A rationale: Requesting to decrease the dose of oral glycemic medication might not be the most appropriate action for the nurse to take. The client reports overeating since they were 14 years old, which could potentially lead to obesity and related health issues such as type 2 diabetes. However, without more information about the client’s current health status and blood glucose levels, it’s not clear whether a decrease in oral glycemic medication is warranted. It’s important for healthcare providers to monitor and adjust medication dosages based on individual patient needs and responses.

Choice B rationale: Encouraging the client to eat small, frequent meals could be a beneficial strategy. Overeating can lead to weight gain and related health problems. Eating smaller meals more frequently throughout the day can help to control hunger and manage portion sizes, which could potentially help the client to reduce overeating.

Choice C rationale: Instructing the client to weigh themselves daily might not be the best approach. While it’s important for individuals to be aware of their weight as part of overall health management, daily weighing can become a source of stress and anxiety. It might be more helpful to focus on promoting healthy behaviors and coping strategies to manage overeating.

Choice D rationale: Anticipating a potassium supplement for the client might not be necessary. While potassium is an essential nutrient, there’s no indication from the information provided that the client has a potassium deficiency. Overeating does not necessarily lead to nutrient deficiencies, and supplementation should be based on individual needs and medical advice.

Choice E rationale: Teaching the client to plan meals ahead could be a very helpful strategy. Meal planning can help individuals manage portion sizes, ensure a balanced diet, and avoid impulsive eating decisions. This could potentially help the client manage their overeating.

Choice F rationale: Recommending that the client journal about their feelings could be a beneficial strategy. Emotional eating, or eating in response to feelings rather than hunger, is a common issue. Journaling can help individuals identify emotional triggers for overeating and develop healthier coping strategies.

Choice A rationale:

Focuses on the nurse's feelings rather than the client's needs. This response may make the client feel guilty or defensive, and it does not address the underlying cause of their anger or frustration.

Shuts down communication. Saying "That's a hurtful thing to say" can signal to the client that the nurse is not open to hearing their concerns, which can hinder the development of trust and rapport.

Fails to acknowledge the client's pain. The client is in a vulnerable position, experiencing both physical and emotional pain. This response does not recognize the validity of their experience, which can further alienate them.

Choice B rationale:

Invites the client to share their perspective. By saying "Tell me more about that," the nurse demonstrates a willingness to listen and understand the client's concerns. This can help to build trust and rapport, and it can provide valuable insights into the client's experience.

Promotes exploration of feelings. Allowing the client to express their feelings can help them to process their emotions and to feel more understood. This can lead to a greater sense of control and empowerment, which can be beneficial for their overall coping and healing.

Gathers information to tailor care. By listening to the client's concerns, the nurse can gain a better understanding of their specific needs and preferences. This information can then be used to adjust the plan of care to better meet the client's individual needs.

Choice C rationale:

Dismisses the client's feelings. Saying "Well, that's your opinion" minimizes the client's experience and sends the message that their feelings are not important. This can damage the therapeutic relationship and make the client feel even more isolated and unsupported.

Fails to address the underlying issue. This response does not attempt to explore the reasons for the client's anger or frustration, which means that the problem is likely to continue.

Choice D rationale:

Sounds accusatory and confrontational. Asking "Why would you say such a thing?" can put the client on the defensive and make them feel like they have to justify their feelings. This can hinder open communication and make it more difficult to address the root of the problem.

May make the client feel judged or criticized. This response can come across as judgmental and uncaring, which can further alienate the client and damage the therapeutic relationship.