A nurse is caring for a client who is taking valproic acid for seizure control. For which of the following adverse effects should the nurse monitor and report?

Choice Arationale:

Allowing the client to eat meals in his room might not be the best approach. Patients with anorexia nervosa often have distorted body image and may engage in secretive behaviors related to food intake. Supervised meals and observation during and after meals are essential to prevent behaviors like purging.

Choice B rationale:

Weighing the client every 48 hours is not frequent enough for a patient with anorexia nervosa. Daily weight monitoring is crucial in these cases because rapid weight loss or fluctuations can indicate worsening malnutrition, dehydration, or other medical complications.

Choice Crationale:

Obtaining vital signs every other day might not provide an accurate picture of the client's overall health status, especially during the critical early phase of care. In anorexia nervosa, patients are at risk of severe complications such as electrolyte imbalances, cardiac issues, and malnutrition, which can rapidly change and require close monitoring.

Choice D rationale:

Observing the client for 1 hour after meals is a crucial nursing intervention for individuals with anorexia nervosa. After meals, these patients are at risk of engaging in purging behaviors like vomiting or excessive exercise to compensate for caloric intake. Close observation can help prevent these behaviors and ensure the client's safety.

Electrolyte imbalance in pregnant clients is often associated with conditions that lead to dehydration and nutritional deficiencies. In this scenario, the key indicators are persistent nausea and significant weight loss.

• Persistent nausea can lead to reduced food and fluid intake. This condition, especially if prolonged, can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances due to the loss of essential minerals and nutrients that are not being replenished due to inadequate dietary intake.
• Significant weight loss, particularly the amount described in the scenario (6.8 kg or 15 lb), is a clear sign of inadequate nutritional intake and can further exacerbate the risk of electrolyte imbalance. It indicates that the body is not receiving enough nutrients, which is crucial for maintaining electrolyte balance.

The other options, while related to diet and fluid intake, are more specific to the client's eating habits and do not directly point to the primary cause of potential electrolyte imbalance in the context of this scenario. Therefore, the most comprehensive and medically relevant choice is (A) Persistent nausea and significant weight loss.