A nurse is conducting a comprehensive assessment of a patient with an eating disorder. Which aspects should the nurse assess to provide holistic care?

Choice A rationale:

Significant weight loss or failure to achieve expected weight gain is consistent with the diagnosis of avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) ARFID is characterized by a lack of interest in eating or food, avoidance based on sensory characteristics of food, concern about the aversive consequences of eating, and avoidance of foods due to a previous negative experience. This avoidance can lead to inadequate nutrient intake and, consequently, significant weight loss or the inability to achieve expected weight gain, especially in children.

Choice B rationale:

Recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by inappropriate compensatory behaviors are not indicative of avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) This behavior is more characteristic of bulimia nervosa, which involves cycles of binge eating followed by behaviors like vomiting, laxative use, or excessive exercise to compensate for the overeating.

Choice C rationale:

Persistent eating of nonnutritive, nonfood substances is a characteristic of pica disorder, not avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) Pica involves the consumption of substances such as dirt, paint, hair, or cloth, which have no nutritional value.

Choice D rationale:

Repeated regurgitation of food is a characteristic of rumination disorder, not avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) Rumination disorder involves the regurgitation of food that is then either re-chewed, re-swallowed, or spit out, without an associated medical condition.

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.