A nurse is caring for a patient with anorexia nervosa. Which treatment approach would be the priority for this patient?

Stabilizing the patient's physical condition.

Addressing the psychological aspects of the disorder.

Preventing relapse and maintaining recovery.

Providing ongoing follow-up care.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A rationale:

Stabilizing the patient's physical condition. For individuals with severe eating disorders, especially anorexia nervosa, the priority is often to address their physical health and stabilize any medical complications arising from malnutrition. This might involve medical interventions, nutritional rehabilitation, and closely monitoring vital signs to prevent serious health consequences.

Choice B rationale:

Addressing the psychological aspects of the disorder. While addressing the psychological aspects is an integral part of treating eating disorders, it's crucial to prioritize physical health when dealing with severe cases. Malnutrition can lead to various medical complications, including electrolyte imbalances, organ damage, and cardiac issues. Without addressing the physical health first, psychological interventions might be less effective.

Choice C rationale:

Preventing relapse and maintaining recovery. Preventing relapse and maintaining recovery are important aspects of long-term treatment, but they become more relevant after the patient's physical condition has been stabilized. Once the immediate physical risks are minimized, efforts can shift toward addressing psychological factors and developing strategies to prevent relapse.

Choice D rationale:

Providing ongoing follow-up care. Ongoing follow-up care is essential for individuals with eating disorders to ensure that they continue to progress in their recovery journey and to monitor any potential relapse signs. However, this becomes more pertinent once the patient's physical condition has been stabilized and initial treatment has been provided.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

The response "You're right, you shouldn't be eating." reinforces the client's negative and harmful belief about not deserving to eat. This response is not therapeutic and can worsen the client's condition.

Choice B rationale:

The response "Don't worry, your weight is not a concern." dismisses the client's feelings and doesn't address the underlying distorted thoughts about their body and food. It's important to acknowledge their emotions rather than trivialize them.

Choice C rationale:

The response "It sounds like you have negative thoughts about your body." shows empathy and reflective listening. It opens the door for further discussion about the client's feelings and allows the nurse to explore their thought patterns.

Choice D rationale:

The response "Eating is not important, we should focus on your medication." minimizes the significance of the client's eating disorder and focuses solely on medication, disregarding the psychological and nutritional aspects of treatment.

A. Stabilizing the patient's physical condition. B. Addressing the psychological aspects of the disorder. C. Preventing relapse and maintaining recovery. D. Providing ongoing follow-up care.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

In the treatment of anorexia nervosa, stabilizing the patient's physical condition takes precedence as the first priority. Individuals with anorexia often experience severe weight loss, malnutrition, electrolyte imbalances, and other medical complications that can be life-threatening. Therefore, the initial focus is on restoring the patient's health and preventing any immediate physical harm.

Choice B rationale:

While addressing the psychological aspects of the disorder is crucial, it comes after stabilizing the patient's physical condition. Psychological interventions, therapy, and counseling are essential components of treatment, but they can be more effective once the individual's body is in a more stable and nourished state.

Choice C rationale:

Preventing relapse and maintaining recovery is an important long-term goal in treating anorexia nervosa, but it is not the first priority. After stabilizing the patient's physical health, efforts are directed toward helping the individual develop coping strategies, address distorted body image, and establish healthier eating patterns to prevent relapse in the future.

Choice D rationale:

Providing ongoing follow-up care is important throughout the recovery process, but it is not the primary focus in the initial treatment of anorexia nervosa. Once the patient's physical condition is stabilized, follow-up care becomes valuable for monitoring progress, adjusting treatment strategies, and providing continued support.

Questions

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A nurse is caring for a patient with anorexia nervosa. Which treatment approach would be the priority for this patient?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client with an eating disorder says, "I don't deserve to eat because I'm overweight." What response by the nurse is appropriate?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

(Question from external source) What is the first priority in the treatment of anorexia nervosa?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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