A nurse is conducting an assessment of a patient with an eating disorder. Which of the following is a nursing responsibility in this assessment?

Choice A rationale:

Monitoring vital signs and weight. While monitoring vital signs and weight is an essential aspect of patient care, it primarily focuses on the physical health of the patient. In the case of an eating disorder, the underlying psychological and emotional issues also need attention, which is not addressed solely by monitoring vital signs and weight. The patient's emotional well-being and coping strategies are equally important in promoting overall recovery.

Choice B rationale:

Providing positive reinforcement for eating. Positive reinforcement can be helpful in encouraging desired behaviors; however, focusing solely on positive reinforcement for eating might oversimplify the complexities of treating an eating disorder. Eating disorders are often rooted in psychological factors, and addressing the underlying causes and emotions is crucial. Providing positive reinforcement might not address the emotional challenges the patient is facing, and a more comprehensive approach is needed.

Choice C rationale:

Teaching coping skills and stress management techniques. This is the correct choice. Eating disorders are often connected to emotional distress, poor body image, and stress. Teaching coping skills and stress management techniques empowers the patient to develop healthier ways of dealing with emotions and triggers that may contribute to their eating disorder. By addressing the emotional aspect, the patient is better equipped to manage their disorder and work towards recovery.

Choice D rationale:

Involving the family in the treatment process. Involving the family in the treatment process can be beneficial, as family support is important for recovery. However, it's not the most appropriate intervention on its own. Eating disorders are complex and individualized, and addressing the patient's personal coping mechanisms and emotional well-being should be the primary focus. Family involvement can be part of a comprehensive treatment plan, but it should not replace teaching the patient coping skills and stress management techniques.

The correct answer is C. Lack of interest in eating or food.

Anorexia nervosa is characterized by a severe restriction of food intake due to an intense fear of gaining weight, a distorted body image, and a lack of interest in eating despite physical hunger. Individuals with anorexia often engage in extreme dieting, excessive exercise, and other behaviors to maintain an abnormally low body weight.

Here’s why the other options are incorrect:

• A. Recurrent episodes of binge eating – This is more characteristic of bulimia nervosa or binge-eating disorder, where individuals consume large amounts of food and may compensate through purging or extreme dieting.

• B. Normal or slightly above normal body weight – Individuals with anorexia nervosa typically have a low body weight (often significantly underweight due to food restriction), unlike bulimia, where weight may be in the normal or above-normal range.

• D. Repeated regurgitation of food – This is characteristic of rumination disorder, a separate condition in which individuals repeatedly bring up swallowed food without nausea or distress.