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?
"You should try to eat healthier and exercise more.”
"You're not fat, you're beautiful just the way you are.”
"I understand how you feel. Many people with eating disorders struggle with body image.”
"You need to stop worrying about your weight and focus on other things.”
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Monitoring vital signs and weight. While monitoring vital signs and weight is an essential aspect of patient care, it primarily focuses on the physical health of the patient. In the case of an eating disorder, the underlying psychological and emotional issues also need attention, which is not addressed solely by monitoring vital signs and weight. The patient's emotional well-being and coping strategies are equally important in promoting overall recovery.
Choice B rationale:
Providing positive reinforcement for eating. Positive reinforcement can be helpful in encouraging desired behaviors; however, focusing solely on positive reinforcement for eating might oversimplify the complexities of treating an eating disorder. Eating disorders are often rooted in psychological factors, and addressing the underlying causes and emotions is crucial. Providing positive reinforcement might not address the emotional challenges the patient is facing, and a more comprehensive approach is needed.
Choice C rationale:
Teaching coping skills and stress management techniques. This is the correct choice. Eating disorders are often connected to emotional distress, poor body image, and stress. Teaching coping skills and stress management techniques empowers the patient to develop healthier ways of dealing with emotions and triggers that may contribute to their eating disorder. By addressing the emotional aspect, the patient is better equipped to manage their disorder and work towards recovery.
Choice D rationale:
Involving the family in the treatment process. Involving the family in the treatment process can be beneficial, as family support is important for recovery. However, it's not the most appropriate intervention on its own. Eating disorders are complex and individualized, and addressing the patient's personal coping mechanisms and emotional well-being should be the primary focus. Family involvement can be part of a comprehensive treatment plan, but it should not replace teaching the patient coping skills and stress management techniques.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]
Explanation
The correct answer is a. Recurrent episodes of binge eating, b. Inappropriate compensatory behaviors to prevent weight gain, c. Normal or slightly above normal body weight, d. Sense of lack of control over eating.
Choice A rationale:
Recurrent episodes of binge eating are a key diagnostic criterion for bulimia nervosa. This involves consuming a large amount of food in a short period while feeling a lack of control over eating.
Choice B rationale:
Inappropriate compensatory behaviors, such as self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives, fasting, or excessive exercise, are used to prevent weight gain and are essential for diagnosing bulimia nervosa.
Choice C rationale:
Individuals with bulimia nervosa often maintain a normal or slightly above normal body weight, which can make the disorder less noticeable compared to anorexia nervosa.
Choice D rationale:
A sense of lack of control over eating during binge episodes is a critical feature of bulimia nervosa.
Choice E rationale:
Acknowledgment of the problem is not a diagnostic criterion for bulimia nervosa. Many individuals with bulimia may not recognize or admit they have a problem.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Altered levels of leptin and ghrelin.
Choice A rationale:
Increased levels of cortisol and thyroid hormones are not commonly associated with eating disorders. Cortisol is a stress hormone, and while stress can play a role in eating behaviors, it is not a consistent physiological change across all eating disorders. Thyroid hormones play a role in metabolism, but their direct link to eating disorders is limited.
Choice B rationale:
Decreased levels of growth hormone and insulin are not commonly associated with eating disorders. Growth hormone and insulin are primarily involved in growth regulation and glucose metabolism, respectively, and their alterations are not central to the core characteristics of eating disorders.
Choice C rationale:
Altered levels of leptin and ghrelin are commonly associated with eating disorders. Leptin is a hormone that regulates appetite and signals satiety. Individuals with eating disorders may have disrupted leptin levels, contributing to disturbances in appetite and hunger regulation. Ghrelin is a hormone that stimulates appetite, and its dysregulation can also play a role in eating disorder behaviors.
Choice D rationale:
Elevated levels of sex hormones and growth hormone are not consistently associated with eating disorders. While some hormonal changes can occur due to malnutrition and extreme weight loss, they are not universally seen across all individuals with eating disorders. The hormonal changes seen in eating disorders are more often related to appetite regulation and metabolism.
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