A nurse is assisting in the care of a 40-year-old female client on an inpatient mental health facility.

Exhibits

For each finding, click to specify if the finding indicates an unrelated condition, improvement of the condition, or worsening of the condition.

Choice A rationale

"If the provider prescribes medication, I will have to administer it" is an inaccurate statement regarding a voluntarily admitted client's rights. Voluntarily admitted clients generally retain the right to refuse medication, even if it is prescribed by a provider. This response undermines the client's autonomy.

Choice B rationale

"You agreed to take medication when you decided to be admitted" is also generally inaccurate for voluntary admissions. While the client may agree to a treatment plan that includes medication, voluntary admission itself does not automatically equate to mandatory medication administration. The client still has the right to refuse.

Choice C rationale

"You have the right to refuse to take the medication" is the correct and most appropriate response. Voluntarily admitted clients retain their right to informed consent and the right to refuse treatment, including medication, unless there is a specific court order indicating otherwise or an imminent risk of harm to themselves or others. This response respects the client's autonomy.

Choice D rationale

"I can make a list of the medications that you don't want to take" is a helpful action in acknowledging the client's concern and preferences. However, it does not directly address the client's question about their right to refuse medication. While documenting preferences is important, the initial response should clearly state their right to refusal. .

Choice A rationale

Bulimia nervosa can be difficult to detect because individuals with the disorder often maintain a normal weight or may even be slightly overweight. Their eating and purging behaviors are often carried out in secret, and they may not appear outwardly ill or underweight, unlike individuals with anorexia nervosa.

Choice B rationale

People with bulimia nervosa engage in episodes of binge eating, consuming a large amount of food in a short period, followed by compensatory behaviors to prevent weight gain. Therefore, they do not eat an average amount of food on a daily basis; their intake is characterized by extremes.

Choice C rationale

Vomiting is one, but not the only, compensatory behavior associated with bulimia nervosa. Individuals may also use other methods such as misuse of laxatives, diuretics, excessive exercise, or fasting to counteract the effects of binge eating. The absence of vomiting does not rule out bulimia nervosa.

Choice D rationale

While bulimia nervosa has significant physical health consequences, the direct risk of developing diabetes mellitus is not a primary complication. Eating disorders can lead to various metabolic disturbances, but diabetes is more directly linked to factors like obesity, genetics, and insulin resistance. Electrolyte imbalances, esophageal damage, and cardiac arrhythmias are more immediate risks. .