A nurse is caring for a client who is postpartum and requests information about contraception. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

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. Autonomy: Autonomy involves respecting a client’s right to make their own healthcare decisions. While important, this scenario concerns unequal treatment rather than limiting the clients’ decision-making rights.

B. Justice: Justice refers to fairness and equity in the distribution of healthcare resources. Providing supplies to one client based on insurance status while denying them to another reflects unequal and unethical treatment, violating the principle of justice.

C. Beneficence: Beneficence means acting in the best interest of the client by promoting well-being. Although the insured client is benefitting, failing to support the uninsured client equally undermines the overall intent to do good for all clients.

D. Nonmaleficence: Nonmaleficence is the obligation to do no harm. While denying supplies could lead to harm, the primary ethical breach in this situation lies in the unfair distribution of care, which relates more directly to justice.