A nurse is assessing a client who is experiencing chronic stress. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

In this scenario, a priority action for the nurse is to ask the client if she has considered harming her newborn. The client's symptoms of feeling "down," sadness, lack of energy, and wanting to cry raise concerns about the possibility of postpartum depression, which is a serious mental health condition that can affect new mothers. In some cases, postpartum depression can lead to thoughts of harming oneself or the newborn. Therefore, it is crucial for the nurse to assess the client's risk and ensure the safety of both the client and her baby.

Incorrect:

A- Reinforce postpartum and newborn care discharge teaching: While reinforcing postpartum and newborn care discharge teaching is an important aspect of care, it is not the priority in this situation. The client's symptoms of feeling "down," sadness, lack of energy, and wanting to cry suggest the possibility of postpartum depression. The nurse should prioritize addressing the client's emotional well-being and assessing for potential risks, rather than focusing on routine postpartum and newborn care teaching.

B- Anticipate a prescription by the provider for an antidepressant: While medication may be part of the treatment plan for postpartum depression, it is not the priority action at this stage. The nurse should first assess the client's condition, including the severity of her symptoms and any potential risk of harm to herself or her newborn. Initiating a discussion about medication can come later, in collaboration with the healthcare provider and based on a comprehensive assessment.

C- Assist the family to identify prior use of positive coping skills in family crises: While supporting the client's family and identifying positive coping skills are important, they are not the priority in this scenario. The immediate concern is addressing the client's symptoms and assessing for potential risks associated with postpartum depression. Once the client's immediate safety and emotional needs are addressed, the nurse can involve the family in the care plan and help them identify and utilize positive coping strategies.

When caring for an adolescent female with an eating disorder, the nurse should expect the following manifestations:

A- Amenorrhea: Amenorrhea refers to the absence of menstruation, which is commonly seen in individuals with eating disorders, particularly in cases of severe weight loss or malnutrition.

B- Altered body image: Individuals with eating disorders often have a distorted perception of their body shape and size. They may see themselves as overweight or have a negative body image, even when they are significantly underweight.

C- Hyperactivity: Some individuals with eating disorders may exhibit excessive physical activity or restlessness. This hyperactivity can be a result of increased energy expenditure, driven by a fear of weight gain or a compulsive need to burn calories.

E- Bradycardia: Bradycardia, or a slow heart rate, is a common finding in individuals with severe malnutrition or very low body weight. It can be a result of the body's adaptive response to conserve energy in a state of limited food intake.

Incorrect:

D- Verbalized desire to gain weight is not typically expected in individuals with eating disorders. They may express a desire to lose weight or have a fear of gaining weight instead.