A nurse working in an emergency department is assessing a client who is experiencing chest pain that began 6 hr ago. Which of the following findings indicates that the client is having a myocardial Infarction?

Rationale:

A. "Your family disagrees with your decision?": This open-ended response reflects therapeutic communication by encouraging the client to express her feelings without judgment. It invites further discussion and shows the nurse’s support for the client’s autonomy and emotional well-being.

B. "Did you tell your provider that your family doesn't agree with your decision?": This response shifts focus away from the client's emotional conflict and places it on the provider. It may dismiss the client’s current need for support and hinder further emotional exploration.

C. "You are making the same decision I would make.": Personalizing the conversation undermines client autonomy. The nurse’s role is to support the client’s decision-making process, not impose personal opinions or make assumptions about what is best.

D. "You should get your family to agree with your decision before signing the consent.": This response suggests the client must yield to family opinions, which contradicts the principle of informed consent. The decision is ultimately the client’s, and family agreement is not a legal or ethical requirement.

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.