A female client with bulimia is admitted to the mental health unit after she disclosed to a friend that she purges after meals. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?

Choice A rationale:
Assisting the client with relaxation techniques within the group is an appropriate and immediate intervention for managing severe anxiety. This approach can help the client regulate their anxiety levels and provide a sense of support in the therapeutic environment.

Choice B rationale:
Escorting the client from the group to reduce stimuli may be considered if the client's anxiety becomes overwhelming and they cannot manage it within the group setting. However, it is generally preferable to try in-group interventions first.

Choice C rationale:
Providing education about ways to cope with anxiety is valuable, but it may not be the most effective intervention in the moment when the client is already experiencing severe anxiety. Practical techniques should be initiated first.

Choice D rationale:
Asking the client to describe and identify the source of the feelings may be a useful therapeutic technique in individual therapy sessions but may not be the best immediate intervention during a group therapy session when the focus is on managing acute anxiety.

Choice A rationale:
This is included because the client has a history of cardiovascular issues (hypertension, coronary artery disease), and the symptoms presented (fatigue, muscle cramps, tingling sensation, lightheadedness) could be related to cardiac concerns. Monitoring cardiac status helps assess for any cardiac-related issues.

Choice B rationale:
This is essential because the client's recent illness and missed dialysis sessions may have contributed to her symptoms. Ensuring the client understands the importance of compliance with hemodialysis is crucial for her overall well-being.

Choice C rationale:
Monitoring vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate, is a fundamental aspect of assessing the client's current condition and response to treatment.

Choice D rationale:
A comprehensive head-to-toe assessment helps identify any physical signs or symptoms that may be contributing to the client's complaints and guides further evaluation and interventions.

Choice E rationale:
Given the client's history of cardiovascular disease and the complaints of chest discomfort, monitoring the heart rhythm is essential to assess for any arrhythmias or irregularities.

Choice F rationale:
Monitoring fluid intake and output is crucial, especially in clients with end-stage renal disease, as imbalances in fluid and electrolytes can exacerbate symptoms and lead to complications.

Choice G rationale:
The client's complaints of muscle cramps and tingling sensations in the arms and legs indicate potential neuromuscular involvement. Monitoring neuromuscular status helps assess these symptoms.

Choice H rationale:
There is no indication in the provided information that an immediate transfer to a telemetry unit is necessary. The client's vital signs, including heart rate and oxygen saturation, are stable at the moment. Further assessment and interventions can be carried out on the current unit before considering a transfer.

Choice I rationale:
Given the client's history of end-stage renal disease and the symptoms presented, educating her to avoid a high-potassium diet is important. High potassium levels can lead to symptoms like muscle cramps and tingling sensations, which the client is experiencing.