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: Intention tremors are not typically associated with Addison’s disease. Intention tremors are more commonly seen in conditions affecting the cerebellum, such as multiple sclerosis or cerebellar ataxia.
Choice B reason: Purple striations (striae) are more commonly associated with Cushing’s syndrome, which is characterized by excessive cortisol levels. Addison’s disease, on the other hand, involves insufficient cortisol production.
Choice C reason: Hirsutism refers to excessive hair growth in women in areas where hair is normally minimal or absent. This condition is more commonly associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or other endocrine disorders, not Addison’s disease.
Choice D reason: Hyperpigmentation is a hallmark sign of Addison’s disease. It occurs due to increased production of melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) as a byproduct of elevated adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels. This leads to darkening of the skin, especially in areas exposed to friction, such as the elbows, knees, knuckles, and scars.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Adopting a neutral attitude when providing care is essential for building trust with a client who is suspicious. A neutral attitude helps the nurse remain professional and non-threatening, which can make the client feel safer and more comfortable. This approach avoids overwhelming the client with excessive friendliness or personal disclosure, which might increase their suspicion.
Choice B reason: Waiting for the client to initiate interaction is not the best approach. Clients who are suspicious may not feel comfortable initiating interactions, and this could lead to a lack of communication and trust. The nurse should take the initiative to engage with the client in a calm and respectful manner.
Choice C reason: Disclosing some personal information to the client to demonstrate approachability can be counterproductive with a suspicious client. Sharing personal information might be perceived as intrusive or manipulative, which could increase the client’s distrust. Maintaining professional boundaries is crucial.
Choice D reason: Approaching the client frequently throughout the day for brief interactions might overwhelm a suspicious client. While regular interactions are important, they should be balanced and not too frequent to avoid making the client feel pressured or monitored.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.