A nurse is caring for a patient with anorexia nervosa. Which treatment approach would be the priority for this patient?

Stabilizing the patient's physical condition.

Addressing the psychological aspects of the disorder.

Preventing relapse and maintaining recovery.

Providing ongoing follow-up care.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A rationale:

Stabilizing the patient's physical condition. For individuals with severe eating disorders, especially anorexia nervosa, the priority is often to address their physical health and stabilize any medical complications arising from malnutrition. This might involve medical interventions, nutritional rehabilitation, and closely monitoring vital signs to prevent serious health consequences.

Choice B rationale:

Addressing the psychological aspects of the disorder. While addressing the psychological aspects is an integral part of treating eating disorders, it's crucial to prioritize physical health when dealing with severe cases. Malnutrition can lead to various medical complications, including electrolyte imbalances, organ damage, and cardiac issues. Without addressing the physical health first, psychological interventions might be less effective.

Choice C rationale:

Preventing relapse and maintaining recovery. Preventing relapse and maintaining recovery are important aspects of long-term treatment, but they become more relevant after the patient's physical condition has been stabilized. Once the immediate physical risks are minimized, efforts can shift toward addressing psychological factors and developing strategies to prevent relapse.

Choice D rationale:

Providing ongoing follow-up care. Ongoing follow-up care is essential for individuals with eating disorders to ensure that they continue to progress in their recovery journey and to monitor any potential relapse signs. However, this becomes more pertinent once the patient's physical condition has been stabilized and initial treatment has been provided.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Gastric emptying. Gastric emptying refers to the process by which the stomach contents are emptied into the small intestine. While it can be affected by various factors, such as the type of food consumed, it's not a typical gastrointestinal symptom associated with eating disorders. Eating disorders often involve disturbances in eating behaviors, body image, and psychological aspects rather than the mechanical process of gastric emptying.

Choice B rationale:

Constipation and diarrhea. Constipation and diarrhea can be associated with various gastrointestinal conditions, but they are not the hallmark symptoms of eating disorders. In some cases, individuals with anorexia nervosa might experience constipation due to low food intake, but this is not a defining feature of eating disorders as a whole.

Choice C rationale:

Abdominal pain and bloating. Abdominal pain and bloating are common gastrointestinal symptoms in individuals with eating disorders, particularly those who engage in binge eating or consume large amounts of food in a short period. The discomfort from overeating or consuming excessive amounts of food can lead to abdominal pain and bloating. Additionally, purging behaviors, such as self-induced vomiting, can also cause irritation to the stomach lining and result in abdominal pain.

Choice D rationale:

Nausea and vomiting. Nausea and vomiting are indeed common symptoms in individuals with eating disorders, especially those with bulimia nervosa. The act of binge eating followed by purging through vomiting is a key characteristic of this disorder. However, the question is asking about gastrointestinal symptoms typically associated with eating disorders in general, and not all individuals with eating disorders engage in purging behaviors.

A. "You need to eat to maintain your health.” B. "You're not overweight. You don't need to worry about gaining weight.” C. "I can understand your fear, but not eating can be harmful to your body.” D. "You should focus on something other than your weight.”

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Telling the patient, "You need to eat to maintain your health," is directive and may come across as dismissive of the patient's concerns. This response doesn't address the patient's fear and could potentially increase their resistance.

Choice B rationale:

Saying, "You're not overweight. You don't need to worry about gaining weight," disregards the patient's feelings and trivializes their anxiety. It's essential to acknowledge their fear and provide appropriate information and support.

Choice C rationale:

This is the correct response. Acknowledging the patient's fear while also emphasizing the potential harm of not eating is empathetic and informative. It opens the door for further discussion and education about the consequences of disordered eating.

Choice D rationale:

Responding with, "You should focus on something other than your weight," avoids addressing the patient's concerns and feelings. It's crucial to address their fears in a supportive and educational manner.

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A nurse is caring for a patient with anorexia nervosa. Which treatment approach would be the priority for this patient?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is assessing a patient with an eating disorder. Which of the following gastrointestinal symptoms would the nurse expect to find?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is implementing a care plan for a patient with an eating disorder. The patient says, "I don't want to eat. I'm afraid I'll gain weight." Which response by the nurse is appropriate?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is assessing a client with possible bulimia nervosa. Which findings would support this diagnosis? Select all that apply.

A nurse is caring for a patient with anorexia nervosa. Which treatment approach would be the priority for this patient?

A client with an eating disorder avoids meals and snacks. What nursing intervention should the nurse implement to address this behavior?

A nurse is assessing a patient with bulimia nervosa. Which of the following cardiovascular symptoms would the nurse expect to find?

(Question from external source) What is the main goal of treatment for eating disorders?

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

A nurse is providing care for a patient with an eating disorder. The patient states, "I feel so fat and disgusting." Which response by the nurse is appropriate?

. Which of the following is a characteristic of binge eating disorder?