A nurse is caring for a patient with an eating disorder. Which of the following physiological changes is commonly associated with eating disorders?
Increased levels of cortisol and thyroid hormones.
Decreased levels of growth hormone and insulin.
Altered levels of leptin and ghrelin.
Elevated levels of sex hormones and growth hormone.
The Correct Answer is C
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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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
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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.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
In the treatment of anorexia nervosa, stabilizing the patient's physical condition takes precedence as the first priority. Individuals with anorexia often experience severe weight loss, malnutrition, electrolyte imbalances, and other medical complications that can be life-threatening. Therefore, the initial focus is on restoring the patient's health and preventing any immediate physical harm.
Choice B rationale:
While addressing the psychological aspects of the disorder is crucial, it comes after stabilizing the patient's physical condition. Psychological interventions, therapy, and counseling are essential components of treatment, but they can be more effective once the individual's body is in a more stable and nourished state.
Choice C rationale:
Preventing relapse and maintaining recovery is an important long-term goal in treating anorexia nervosa, but it is not the first priority. After stabilizing the patient's physical health, efforts are directed toward helping the individual develop coping strategies, address distorted body image, and establish healthier eating patterns to prevent relapse in the future.
Choice D rationale:
Providing ongoing follow-up care is important throughout the recovery process, but it is not the primary focus in the initial treatment of anorexia nervosa. Once the patient's physical condition is stabilized, follow-up care becomes valuable for monitoring progress, adjusting treatment strategies, and providing continued support.
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