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 D reason: A calorie reduction of 500 fewer calories per day can result in a weight loss of about 0.45 kg (1 lb) per week, which is a safe and realistic goal for most clients. A pound of fat contains about 3,500 calories, so reducing the daily intake by 500 calories can create a deficit of 3,500 calories per week.
Choice A reason: A weight loss of 0.45 kg (1 lb) per day is too rapid and unhealthy, as it can cause dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, muscle loss, and metabolic slowdown. It can also be unsustainable and lead to weight regain. A calorie reduction of 500 fewer calories per day cannot achieve such a drastic weight loss.
Choice B reason: A weight loss of 0.23 kg (0.5 lb) per day is also too rapid and unhealthy, for the same reasons as choice A. A calorie reduction of 500 fewer calories per day cannot achieve such a drastic weight loss.
Choice C reason: A weight loss of 0.23 kg (0.5 lb) per week is too slow and unlikely, as it would require a calorie reduction of only 250 fewer calories per day. This is not enough to create a significant deficit and stimulate weight loss. A calorie reduction of 500 fewer calories per day can result in a faster weight loss.
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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