A nurse is assessing a patient with an eating disorder. Which of the following gastrointestinal symptoms would the nurse expect to find?
Gastric emptying.
Constipation and diarrhea.
Abdominal pain and bloating.
Nausea and vomiting.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Gastric emptying. Gastric emptying refers to the process by which the stomach contents are emptied into the small intestine. While it can be affected by various factors, such as the type of food consumed, it's not a typical gastrointestinal symptom associated with eating disorders. Eating disorders often involve disturbances in eating behaviors, body image, and psychological aspects rather than the mechanical process of gastric emptying.
Choice B rationale:
Constipation and diarrhea. Constipation and diarrhea can be associated with various gastrointestinal conditions, but they are not the hallmark symptoms of eating disorders. In some cases, individuals with anorexia nervosa might experience constipation due to low food intake, but this is not a defining feature of eating disorders as a whole.
Choice C rationale:
Abdominal pain and bloating. Abdominal pain and bloating are common gastrointestinal symptoms in individuals with eating disorders, particularly those who engage in binge eating or consume large amounts of food in a short period. The discomfort from overeating or consuming excessive amounts of food can lead to abdominal pain and bloating. Additionally, purging behaviors, such as self-induced vomiting, can also cause irritation to the stomach lining and result in abdominal pain.
Choice D rationale:
Nausea and vomiting. Nausea and vomiting are indeed common symptoms in individuals with eating disorders, especially those with bulimia nervosa. The act of binge eating followed by purging through vomiting is a key characteristic of this disorder. However, the question is asking about gastrointestinal symptoms typically associated with eating disorders in general, and not all individuals with eating disorders engage in purging behaviors.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Allowing the client to continue avoiding meals to reduce stress is not a suitable nursing intervention. It perpetuates the unhealthy behavior and does not contribute to the client's recovery.
Choice B rationale:
Providing positive reinforcement for not eating to encourage progress is also not appropriate. Positive reinforcement should be directed towards healthy behaviors rather than reinforcing the avoidance of meals.
Choice C rationale:
Supervising meals and snacks to prevent food refusal or hiding is an essential nursing intervention. Patients with eating disorders often engage in secretive behaviors related to food, so supervision helps ensure that they are receiving the necessary nutrition and support their recovery.
Choice D rationale:
Advising the client to eat alone to avoid social pressure is not a recommended intervention. Eating disorders thrive on isolation, and encouraging the client to eat alone could exacerbate the issue.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
"I might need to be hospitalized to stabilize my physical condition." Hospitalization is often necessary for individuals with severe eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa with significant medical complications. Inpatient treatment might be required to stabilize the patient's physical condition, provide proper nutrition, and address any medical complications arising from malnutrition.
Choice B rationale:
"Psychotherapy and medication can help address the psychological aspects of my disorder." Psychotherapy, often including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and medication can indeed play crucial roles in treating eating disorders. These approaches help address the underlying psychological factors contributing to the disorder and aid in promoting healthier eating behaviors. This statement indicates that the patient understands the comprehensive nature of treatment.
Choice C rationale:
"Relapse prevention strategies are not necessary once I have recovered." This statement is indicative of a misunderstanding about the nature of eating disorders. Relapse prevention strategies are essential to maintain recovery and prevent relapse. Eating disorders have a psychological component, and individuals need to continue practicing healthy behaviors, coping skills, and strategies even after they have made progress in their recovery journey.
Choice D rationale:
"Social support, such as family involvement or peer support, can be helpful in maintaining recovery." Social support is indeed valuable for individuals with eating disorders. Engaging with family, friends, or support groups can contribute to the maintenance of recovery. The statement reflects an accurate understanding of the role of social support in the treatment and recovery process.
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