A nurse is caring for a patient with an eating disorder. Which nursing intervention is appropriate for this patient?

Recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by inappropriate compensatory behaviors.

Choice A rationale:

Eating large amounts of food when not feeling physically hungry is not a characteristic of bulimia nervosa. While individuals with bulimia nervosa do experience episodes of binge eating, this behavior is not dependent on physical hunger.

Choice B rationale:

Recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by inappropriate compensatory behaviors are indeed a characteristic of bulimia nervosa. Binge eating involves consuming a large amount of food in a short period, accompanied by a sense of lack of control. The compensatory behaviors, such as vomiting, laxative use, or excessive exercise, are aimed at counteracting the perceived consequences of the binge eating, such as weight gain.

Choice C rationale:

Persistent eating of nonnutritive, nonfood substances, known as pica, is not a characteristic of bulimia nervosa. Pica is a separate eating disorder that involves the consumption of non-food items such as hair, paper, or soil.

Choice D rationale:

Recurrent purging behavior to influence weight or shape is more closely associated with the eating disorder anorexia nervosa. While purging behaviors like vomiting or using laxatives can also occur in bulimia nervosa, they are not specific to it.

The correct answer is choice D: Both physical and psychological aspects.

Choice A rationale:

Focusing solely on the patient’s medical status would provide a limited view of the patient’s overall health. Eating disorders are complex and involve more than just medical issues; they also include psychological, social, and sometimes spiritual dimensions.

Choice B rationale:

While nutritional needs are a critical component of care for patients with eating disorders, they are not the only aspect that should be assessed. Holistic care requires attention to all facets of a person’s well-being, including their mental and social health.

Choice C rationale:

Mental status is indeed important in the assessment of a patient with an eating disorder, but it should not be the sole focus. A comprehensive approach that includes both mental and physical health is necessary for holistic care.

Choice D rationale:

This is the correct choice because holistic care involves assessing and addressing both physical and psychological aspects of a patient’s health. Eating disorders affect a person’s body and mind, and both areas must be cared for in a comprehensive assessment.

Choice E rationale:

Social interactions play a role in the well-being of a patient with an eating disorder, but assessing only this aspect would miss other critical areas such as medical, nutritional, and mental health needs. Holistic care encompasses all these areas to provide complete care.