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?

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.

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.