A nurse is planning care for a client who wants to lose weight. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Set a weight loss goal.
Identify the client's motivation.
Discuss behavior modification.
Refer the client to a dietitian.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Setting a weight loss goal is an important step in the weight management process, but it is not the first action the nurse should take. The nurse should first assess the client's readiness and willingness to change, as well as the factors that motivate the client to lose weight.
Choice B reason: Identifying the client's motivation is the first action the nurse should take, as it helps the nurse to tailor the interventions to the client's needs and preferences. The nurse should explore the client's reasons for wanting to lose weight, such as improving health, appearance, or self-esteem, and use them as positive reinforcement.
Choice C reason: Discussing behavior modification is a key component of weight management, but it is not the first action the nurse should take. The nurse should first identify the client's motivation and then help the client to develop realistic and specific goals and strategies to change their eating and physical activity habits.
Choice D reason: Referring the client to a dietitian is a helpful action, but it is not the first action the nurse should take. The nurse should first identify the client's motivation and then collaborate with the dietitian to provide individualized and evidence-based dietary advice and education to the client.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Increasing the caloric intake before pregnancy is not an appropriate dietary guideline, as it can lead to excessive weight gain and obesity, which can increase the risk of gestational diabetes, hypertension, and other complications. The nurse should advise the client to maintain a healthy weight and a balanced diet before and during pregnancy.
Choice B reason: Increasing the total intake of seafood to 20 ounces per week is not an appropriate dietary guideline, as it can expose the client to high levels of mercury, which can harm the developing fetus. The nurse should advise the client to limit the intake of seafood to 8 to 12 ounces per week, and avoid fish that are high in mercury, such as shark, swordfish, and king mackerel.
Choice C reason: Decreasing ascorbic acid in the diet is not an appropriate dietary guideline, as it can impair the immune system and the absorption of iron, which are both important for the health of the mother and the fetus. The nurse should advise the client to consume adequate amounts of ascorbic acid, which is found in citrus fruits, tomatoes, broccoli, and other foods.
Choice D reason: Increasing folic acid to 400 micrograms per day prior to getting pregnant is an appropriate dietary guideline, as it can prevent neural tube defects, such as spina bifida and anencephaly, in the fetus. The nurse should advise the client to take a daily prenatal vitamin that contains folic acid, and eat foods that are rich in folate, such as leafy greens, beans, and fortified cereals.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Confusion and weakness are signs of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, which can result from vomiting and diarrhea. These are serious complications that can affect the client's mental status, blood pressure, heart rate, and kidney function. The nurse should report these changes to the provider and monitor the client's vital signs and fluid status.
Choice B reason: Dry oral mucosa and furrowed tongue are also signs of dehydration, but they are less severe than confusion and weakness. The nurse should report these changes to the provider as well, but they are not the most urgent ones.
Choice C reason: Clear lungs bilaterally are a normal finding and do not indicate any change in the client's condition. The nurse should document this finding, but it does not require reporting to the provider.
Choice D reason: A soft and non-tender abdomen is a normal finding and does not indicate any change in the client's condition. The nurse should document this finding, but it does not require reporting to the provider.

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