Which nursing intervention has priority as a client diagnosed with anorexia nervosa begins to gain weight after initiated therapy?

Choice A rationale: Sweating and fever are not typically associated with buspirone use. These symptoms could be indicative of another underlying condition or a different medication side effect.

Choice B rationale: Discolored urine is not a common side effect of buspirone. If a patient experiences this, it may be due to other factors such as dehydration, certain foods, or other medications.

Choice C rationale: Decreased appetite is not a common side effect of buspirone. While some medications can affect appetite, buspirone is not typically associated with significant changes in appetite.

Choice D rationale: Hallucinations are a serious side effect and should be reported to the provider immediately. Although rare, buspirone can cause severe side effects such as mental depression, confusion, and uncontrolled

movements of the body. If a patient experiences hallucinations while taking buspirone, it could indicate a serious adverse reaction that requires immediate medical attention.

Rationale:

Choice A: While offering hope and highlighting potential positives can be important in supporting someone with depression, this statement feels dismissive of the client's current experience and minimizes the intensity of their feelings. It could inadvertently make them feel unheard and misunderstood.

Choice B: While acknowledging the commonality of these feelings in depression is important for normalization, it can feel impersonal and fail to address the individual's specific struggles. It focuses on the diagnosis rather than the person's unique experience.

Choice D: Asking "why" can feel interrogative and put pressure on the client to explain their complex emotions. The focus should be on actively listening and validating their feelings rather than seeking justifications.

Choice C: This response demonstrates active listening and reflects back the client's core feeling (lack of meaning) without judgment. It shows empathy and opens the door for further exploration of their thoughts and emotions. It encourages the client to elaborate on their experience and potentially identify areas where meaning can be rediscovered.

Elaboration:

Suicide ideation and attempts are often linked to feelings of hopelessness and a perceived lack of value or purpose in life. When caring for someone with major depressive disorder who has expressed these thoughts, the primary goal is to establish safety and create a space for open communication.

Using therapeutic communication techniques like reflection, validation, and open-ended s allows the nurse to build trust and rapport with the client. Reflecting their feelings, as in Choice C, demonstrates understanding and helps the client feel heard and accepted. This can be a crucial step in reducing their distress and fostering a sense of hope and possibility.

By creating a safe and supportive environment, the nurse can encourage the client to explore their thoughts and feelings about their life and identify potential sources of meaning and hope. This can be a vital step in their journey towards recovery and well-being.