A nurse in an outpatient mental health clinic is treating a client who has bulimia nervosa.
A nurse is assessing the client during a follow-up visit. Select the 4 assessments that indicate a therapeutic response to the treatment plan.
Potassium level
ECG report
BUN level
Laxative usage
overeating cycle/purging
Coping skills
Correct Answer : A,D,E,F
Choice A: Potassium Level
Reason: Monitoring potassium levels is crucial in clients with bulimia nervosa due to the risk of hypokalemia (low potassium levels), which can result from frequent vomiting and laxative abuse. Hypokalemia can lead to serious complications, including cardiac arrhythmias. In this case, the client’s potassium level improved from 3.2 mEq/L (below the normal range of 3.5 to 5 mEq/L) on June 1 to 3.7 mEq/L (within the normal range) on June 15. This improvement indicates a positive response to treatment, as it suggests that the client is experiencing fewer episodes of vomiting or laxative abuse, leading to better electrolyte balance.
Choice B: ECG Report
Reason: While the ECG report is important for assessing cardiac health, it is not a direct indicator of therapeutic response to bulimia nervosa treatment. The presence of premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) on the ECG can be related to electrolyte imbalances, particularly hypokalemia. However, the ECG itself does not provide information about the client’s behaviors or coping mechanisms, which are more directly related to the treatment of bulimia
nervosa. Therefore, while the ECG report is useful for monitoring cardiac health, it is not one of the primary indicators of therapeutic response in this context.
Choice C: BUN Level
Reason: Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) levels can indicate kidney function and hydration status. Elevated BUN levels, as seen in this client (28 mg/dL on June 1 and 26 mg/dL on June 15, with a normal range of 10 to 20 mg/dL), may suggest dehydration or impaired kidney function. However, BUN levels are not specific indicators of therapeutic
response to bulimia nervosa treatment. They do not directly reflect changes in the client’s eating behaviors, purging habits, or coping skills. Therefore, while monitoring BUN levels is important for overall health, it is not a primary indicator of therapeutic response in this case.
Choice D: Laxative Usage
Reason: Reducing or eliminating laxative usage is a significant indicator of therapeutic response in clients with bulimia nervosa. Laxative abuse is a common purging behavior in bulimia nervosa, and its reduction indicates progress in treatment. The client’s report of laxative usage provides direct insight into their purging behaviors. A
decrease in laxative use suggests that the client is gaining better control over their eating disorder and is adhering to the treatment plan. This behavioral change is a critical component of recovery and indicates a positive therapeutic response.
Choice E: Overeating Cycle/Purging
Reason: Assessing changes in the client’s overeating and purging cycle is essential for evaluating therapeutic response. Bulimia nervosa is characterized by cycles of binge eating followed by purging behaviors such as vomiting or laxative abuse. A reduction in the frequency or severity of these cycles indicates that the client is responding well to treatment. The client’s self-reported behaviors regarding overeating and purging provide valuable information about their progress. A decrease in these behaviors suggests that the client is developing healthier eating patterns and coping mechanisms, which are key goals of treatment.
Choice F: Coping Skills
Reason: Developing effective coping skills is a crucial aspect of treatment for bulimia nervosa. Clients often use disordered eating behaviors as a way to cope with emotional distress. By learning and implementing healthier coping strategies, clients can reduce their reliance on harmful behaviors such as binge eating and purging. Assessing the client’s coping skills involves evaluating their ability to manage stress, emotions, and triggers in a healthy manner. Improvement in coping skills indicates that the client is making progress in their recovery and is better equipped to handle challenges without resorting to disordered eating behaviors.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: I would be happy to do whatever I can to help you. While this response shows empathy and a willingness to help, it does not address the fact that shopping for the client is outside the nurse’s job description. It is important for the nurse to adhere to professional boundaries and find appropriate solutions within those limits.
Choice B reason: What I think you should do is wait for the days when you feel better and do your grocery shopping then. This response is not practical or supportive. It does not provide a solution for the client’s immediate needs and may come across as dismissive of her current difficulties.
Choice C reason: I won’t be able to shop for you today because I have to get home to my family. This response is honest but lacks empathy and does not offer any alternative solutions. It may leave the client feeling unsupported and frustrated.
Choice D reason: Let’s look at some other resources to solve this problem. This response is the most appropriate as it acknowledges the client’s needs and seeks to find a solution within the nurse’s professional boundaries. The nurse can help the client explore options such as grocery delivery services, community resources, or assistance from family and friends.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: The preschooler mispronounces words can be a sign of a speech sound disorder. While some mispronunciation is normal in early speech development, persistent difficulty with articulation may indicate a need for speech therapy to improve clarity and communication skills.
Choice B reason: The preschooler speaks in three-word sentences may indicate a delay in expressive language development. By preschool age, children typically use longer sentences and more complex language structures. Limited sentence length can suggest a need for further evaluation and intervention.
Choice C reason: The preschooler stutters when speaking can be a sign of a fluency disorder. Stuttering involves disruptions in the flow of speech, such as repetitions, prolongations, or blocks. Early intervention with speech therapy can help manage and reduce stuttering.
Choice D reason: The preschooler talks to himself when reading is generally not a concern. Self-talk can be a normal part of development and learning, as children often verbalize their thoughts and actions. It does not typically indicate a need for speech therapy.
Choice E reason: The preschooler speaks in a nasally tone can indicate a resonance disorder, which affects the quality of the voice. A nasally tone may result from structural issues or improper use of the vocal tract. Speech therapy can help address these issues and improve vocal quality.
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