. Which of the following is a characteristic of anorexia nervosa?

Recurrent episodes of binge eating.

Normal or slightly above normal body weight.

Lack of interest in eating or food.

Repeated regurgitation of food.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

The correct answer is C. Lack of interest in eating or food.

Anorexia nervosa is characterized by a severe restriction of food intake due to an intense fear of gaining weight, a distorted body image, and a lack of interest in eating despite physical hunger. Individuals with anorexia often engage in extreme dieting, excessive exercise, and other behaviors to maintain an abnormally low body weight.

Here’s why the other options are incorrect:

A. Recurrent episodes of binge eating – This is more characteristic of bulimia nervosa or binge-eating disorder, where individuals consume large amounts of food and may compensate through purging or extreme dieting.
B. Normal or slightly above normal body weight – Individuals with anorexia nervosa typically have a low body weight (often significantly underweight due to food restriction), unlike bulimia, where weight may be in the normal or above-normal range.
D. Repeated regurgitation of food – This is characteristic of rumination disorder, a separate condition in which individuals repeatedly bring up swallowed food without nausea or distress.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Stabilizing the patient's physical condition. For individuals with severe eating disorders, especially anorexia nervosa, the priority is often to address their physical health and stabilize any medical complications arising from malnutrition. This might involve medical interventions, nutritional rehabilitation, and closely monitoring vital signs to prevent serious health consequences.

Choice B rationale:

Addressing the psychological aspects of the disorder. While addressing the psychological aspects is an integral part of treating eating disorders, it's crucial to prioritize physical health when dealing with severe cases. Malnutrition can lead to various medical complications, including electrolyte imbalances, organ damage, and cardiac issues. Without addressing the physical health first, psychological interventions might be less effective.

Choice C rationale:

Preventing relapse and maintaining recovery. Preventing relapse and maintaining recovery are important aspects of long-term treatment, but they become more relevant after the patient's physical condition has been stabilized. Once the immediate physical risks are minimized, efforts can shift toward addressing psychological factors and developing strategies to prevent relapse.

Choice D rationale:

Providing ongoing follow-up care. Ongoing follow-up care is essential for individuals with eating disorders to ensure that they continue to progress in their recovery journey and to monitor any potential relapse signs. However, this becomes more pertinent once the patient's physical condition has been stabilized and initial treatment has been provided.

A. "You should just focus on physical recovery for now.” B. "You need to follow the meal plan exactly as it is.” C. "I understand that distorted body image can be challenging.” D. "You should isolate yourself from group therapy sessions.”

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

The statement "You should just focus on physical recovery for now." neglects the psychological aspect of the patient's condition. Eating disorders are complex and involve both physical and psychological components, so focusing solely on physical recovery is not effective.

Choice B rationale:

The statement "You need to follow the meal plan exactly as it is." might come across as rigid and lacking empathy. It doesn't address the patient's emotional struggles and distorted beliefs about food and body image.

Choice C rationale:

The statement "I understand that distorted body image can be challenging." shows empathy and acknowledges the psychological aspect of the disorder. It demonstrates that the nurse comprehends the patient's experience and is willing to provide psychological support.

Choice D rationale:

The statement "You should isolate yourself from group therapy sessions." is counterproductive. Group therapy can be highly beneficial for individuals with eating disorders, as it provides a supportive environment and helps combat the isolation often experienced by these patients.

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. Which of the following is a characteristic of anorexia nervosa?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a patient with anorexia nervosa. Which treatment approach would be the priority for this patient?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a patient with an eating disorder. Which statement indicates effective psychological care?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is educating a patient with an eating disorder about the treatment options. Which statement made by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?

(Question from external source) What is the main goal of treatment for eating disorders?

A nurse is assessing a patient with an eating disorder. The patient states, "I feel so fat and disgusting." Which response by the nurse is appropriate?

A client with an eating disorder avoids meals and snacks. What nursing intervention should the nurse implement to address this behavior?

A nurse is implementing a care plan for a patient with an eating disorder. The patient says, "I don't want to eat. I'm afraid I'll gain weight." Which response by the nurse is appropriate?

A nurse is caring for a client with avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) Which assessment finding would be consistent with this diagnosis?

(Select all that apply):. A nurse is planning a care plan for a patient with an eating disorder. Which nursing interventions are appropriate for this patient? Select all that apply.

A nurse is caring for a patient with an eating disorder. Which of the following physiological changes is commonly associated with eating disorders?