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

The correct answer/s is Choice/s A, E, and G.

Choice A rationale: Administering 0.9% sodium chloride IV is a common practice in emergency departments to ensure the patient is well-hydrated. This is particularly important for patients experiencing acute mania, as they may have neglected their physical health, including hydration, during their manic episode.

Choice B rationale: Flumazenil is an antagonist for benzodiazepines and is typically used to reverse the sedative effects of benzodiazepines. It is not typically used in the treatment of bipolar disorder or acute mania.

Choice C rationale: Preparing the client for intubation is usually reserved for situations where the patient is unable to maintain their own airway or adequate ventilation. This is not typically necessary in cases of acute mania unless there are other complicating factors.

Choice D rationale: Beginning chest compressions is a response to cardiac arrest. There is no indication in the that the patient is experiencing cardiac arrest, so this would not be a typical anticipation for a patient experiencing acute mania.

Choice E rationale: Administering IV naloxone is done in cases of suspected opioid overdose. While it’s not directly related to treating acute mania, it’s possible that the patient could have comorbid substance use issues, given the high rate of comorbidity between bipolar disorder and substance use disorders.

Choice F rationale: Administering activated charcoal is done in cases of certain types of poisoning or drug overdose. It is not typically used in the treatment of bipolar disorder or acute mania.

Choice G rationale: Preparing the client for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) could be an appropriate anticipation for a patient experiencing acute mania. ECT is considered a highly effective treatment for severe mania, particularly when other treatments have failed or when rapid stabilization is required.

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.