The nurse is caring for a client who has been placed on hospice care. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further education?

Choice A Reason: Assist the client to identify the triggering situation and choose a coping strategy

This is the correct answer. Assisting the client to identify the triggering situation and choose a coping strategy is a therapeutic approach that empowers the client to understand and manage their emotions. This intervention helps the client develop skills to cope with distressing feelings and reduces the likelihood of self-harm. It is essential to address the underlying issues and provide support in a constructive manner.

Choice B Reason: Send the client to the crisis intervention unit for 23 hours of observation

While sending the client to a crisis intervention unit may be necessary in some cases, it is not the first step. Immediate therapeutic intervention to help the client understand and manage their emotions is crucial. Observation alone does not address the underlying issues or provide the client with coping mechanisms.

Choice C Reason: Restrain the client to prevent self-harm

Restraint should be a last resort and only used when there is an immediate risk of harm that cannot be managed through other means. It is important to first attempt less restrictive interventions that help the client manage their emotions and behaviors.

Choice D Reason: Advise the client to take an anxiolytic to decrease their anxiety level

While medication can be part of the treatment plan, it should not be the first intervention. Addressing the client’s immediate emotional needs and helping them develop coping strategies is crucial. Medication can be considered as part of a comprehensive treatment plan but should not replace therapeutic interventions.

d. Emesis from purging corrodes the tooth enamel

Explanation of Choices

Choice A Reason: Food is Rapidly Ingested Without Proper Chewing

While individuals with bulimia nervosa may engage in rapid eating during binge episodes, this behavior alone does not directly cause dental deterioration. Rapid ingestion of food can lead to other gastrointestinal issues, but it is not the primary cause of dental problems seen in bulimia nervosa. The main dental issues arise from the purging behavior that follows binge eating.

Choice B Reason: Poor Dental and Oral Hygiene Leads to Dental Caries

Poor dental and oral hygiene can indeed lead to dental caries (cavities), but this is not the primary issue in bulimia nervosa. The dental deterioration observed in bulimia nervosa is more specifically related to the effects of repeated vomiting, which introduces stomach acid into the mouth. While maintaining good oral hygiene is important, it does not fully address the unique dental challenges posed by bulimia.

Choice C Reason: Purging Causes the Depletion of Dietary Calcium

Purging can lead to various nutritional deficiencies, including calcium, but the depletion of dietary calcium is not the main cause of dental deterioration in bulimia nervosa. The primary issue is the direct effect of stomach acid on the teeth. Calcium depletion can contribute to overall bone health issues, but it is not the specific cause of the dental erosion seen in bulimia.

Choice D Reason: Emesis from Purging Corrodes the Tooth Enamel

Emesis (vomiting) from purging is the primary cause of dental deterioration in bulimia nervosa. When individuals with bulimia vomit, stomach acid comes into contact with the teeth, leading to enamel erosion. This acid is highly corrosive and can wear away the protective enamel layer, resulting in increased tooth sensitivity, cavities, and other dental issues. This repeated exposure to stomach acid is the most significant factor in the dental deterioration observed in bulimia nervosa.