A nurse is caring for a patient with an eating disorder. Which statement indicates effective psychological care?

Choice A rationale:

Prescribing medications for the patient is not a key responsibility of the nurse in this context. While nurses may administer medications, the prescription and management of medications typically fall under the purview of medical doctors or advanced practice nurses.

Choice B rationale:

Isolating the patient from family involvement is not a key responsibility of the nurse. In fact, involving the patient's family and support system is often beneficial for the patient's recovery in the context of an eating disorder.

Choice C rationale:

Sharing information and coordinating care is a key responsibility of the nurse when collaborating with a multidisciplinary team for a patient with an eating disorder. The nurse acts as a central point of communication, ensuring that all members of the team are informed about the patient's condition, treatment plan, and progress. This helps create a comprehensive and coordinated approach to care.

Choice D rationale:

Referring the patient to only a dietitian is not sufficient in addressing the complex needs of a patient with an eating disorder. While dietitians play an important role, the nurse's responsibility involves a broader scope of care coordination and collaboration with various team members.

Choice E rationale:

Exclusively participating in team meetings is not the sole responsibility of the nurse. While team meetings are important, the nurse's role extends beyond attending meetings and includes hands-on patient care, communication, and coordination of care activities.

Choice A rationale:

Bradycardia and tachycardia. While these cardiovascular symptoms can occur in eating disorders, they are more commonly associated with anorexia nervosa rather than bulimia nervosa. Bradycardia (slow heart rate) is often seen in individuals with severe anorexia due to the body's adaptive response to conserve energy. Tachycardia (rapid heart rate) can occur as a compensatory mechanism in response to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, particularly in those with anorexia. However, in bulimia nervosa, the rapid cycle of binge eating and purging is more likely to lead to electrolyte imbalances that cause other symptoms.

Choice B rationale:

Hypertension and mitral valve prolapse. Hypertension (high blood pressure) is not a common cardiovascular symptom of bulimia nervosa. Mitral valve prolapse, which involves the improper closing of the heart's mitral valve, is also not a typical cardiovascular manifestation of bulimia nervosa. Eating disorders primarily affect the electrical conduction system of the heart and can lead to rhythm disturbances.

Choice C rationale:

Orthostatic hypotension and arrhythmias. This is the correct choice. Orthostatic hypotension, which is a drop in blood pressure upon standing, is a common cardiovascular symptom of bulimia nervosa. It is often a result of dehydration and electrolyte imbalances caused by frequent vomiting and laxative use. Arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms) can also occur due to electrolyte imbalances, particularly low levels of potassium, which can disrupt the heart's electrical activity.

Choice D rationale:

Pericardial effusion and cardiomyopathy. While pericardial effusion (accumulation of fluid around the heart) and cardiomyopathy (disease of the heart muscle) can occur in individuals with eating disorders, they are not the most common cardiovascular symptoms. These conditions usually result from prolonged malnutrition and severe electrolyte imbalances, which can occur in both anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. However, orthostatic hypotension and arrhythmias are more characteristic of bulimia nervosa.