A nurse is speaking with the parents of a 4-year-old child who has a terminal illness.
The parents tell the nurse they have taken their son's name off the list for little league baseball next season. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

Choice A rationale: Brittle and thin hair is a common physical manifestation of anorexia nervosa. This is due to malnutrition, which affects the health and quality of hair.

Choice B rationale: The presence of soft, unpigmented hair on the arms (and other parts of the body) is known as lanugo.

It’s a type of fine hair that the body produces in response to severe malnutrition, often seen in cases of anorexia nervosa.

The body grows lanugo in an attempt to provide insulation and maintain body heat, due to the loss of insulating body fat.

Choice C rationale: Individuals with anorexia nervosa typically have a distorted body image and often perceive themselves as overweight, even when they are underweight.

Therefore, it’s unlikely for them to comment that they are too thin and need to gain weight.

Choice D rationale: Preoccupation with thoughts about food is a common psychological symptom of anorexia nervosa. Individuals with this disorder often spend a lot of time thinking about food, dieting, and body weight.

Choice E rationale: Feeling “too tired” and lacking interest in daily workouts can be a result of the physical exhaustion and weakness caused by severe calorie restriction and malnutrition in anorexia nervosa.

Choice F rationale: The client’s report of consuming around 600 calories per day is not provided in the question. Therefore, it cannot be evaluated.

In conclusion, the nurse should expect to find brittle and thin hair, soft unpigmented hair on the arms, preoccupation with thoughts about food, and lack of energy or interest in daily activities in a client with anorexia nervosa.

Choice A rationale:

Repression: This statement suggests that the client is unconsciously blocking out memories of the tragedy as a way to cope with the anxiety. While repression can be a defense mechanism, it's not considered an adaptive use of sublimation.

Sublimation involves channeling anxiety into a productive or socially acceptable activity.

Denial of anxiety: The client's denial of anxiety, despite outward signs of distress, indicates a lack of awareness or acceptance of their emotional state. This can hinder effective coping and processing of the trauma.

Potential for delayed or prolonged distress: Repressed memories can resurface later, often in unexpected or disruptive ways, potentially leading to prolonged or intensified distress.

Choice B rationale:

Hopelessness and helplessness: The client's statement reflects a sense of defeat and a belief that they are incapable of overcoming the trauma. This can lead to feelings of despair, isolation, and withdrawal.

Lack of adaptive coping mechanisms: The client's inability to envision a future beyond the tragedy suggests a lack of healthy coping strategies to manage their anxiety and move forward.

Risk of prolonged distress and potential for depression: Persistent feelings of hopelessness and helplessness can increase the risk of developing depression or other mental health conditions.

Choice C rationale:

Denial of anxiety and potential lack of insight: The client's denial of anxiety, despite the nurse's observation, suggests a lack of awareness or acceptance of their emotional state. This can impede effective coping and processing of the trauma.

Potential resistance to support: The client's defensiveness may make it challenging for them to receive support or engage in therapeutic interventions.

Risk of delayed or unmanaged distress: If the client continues to deny their anxiety, they may not seek appropriate help, potentially leading to prolonged or intensified distress.

Choice D rationale:

Sublimation: This statement demonstrates the client's ability to channel their anxiety into a constructive and healthy outlet. Physical activity can provide a release for pent-up emotions, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being.

Adaptive coping mechanism: The client's choice to engage in physical activity as a way to manage their emotions indicates a positive coping strategy that can promote resilience and recovery.

Potential for improved mental and physical health: Regular exercise has numerous benefits for both mental and physical health, which can support the client's overall well-being and recovery process.