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:

In the treatment of anorexia nervosa, stabilizing the patient's physical condition takes precedence as the first priority. Individuals with anorexia often experience severe weight loss, malnutrition, electrolyte imbalances, and other medical complications that can be life-threatening. Therefore, the initial focus is on restoring the patient's health and preventing any immediate physical harm.

Choice B rationale:

While addressing the psychological aspects of the disorder is crucial, it comes after stabilizing the patient's physical condition. Psychological interventions, therapy, and counseling are essential components of treatment, but they can be more effective once the individual's body is in a more stable and nourished state.

Choice C rationale:

Preventing relapse and maintaining recovery is an important long-term goal in treating anorexia nervosa, but it is not the first priority. After stabilizing the patient's physical health, efforts are directed toward helping the individual develop coping strategies, address distorted body image, and establish healthier eating patterns to prevent relapse in the future.

Choice D rationale:

Providing ongoing follow-up care is important throughout the recovery process, but it is not the primary focus in the initial treatment of anorexia nervosa. Once the patient's physical condition is stabilized, follow-up care becomes valuable for monitoring progress, adjusting treatment strategies, and providing continued support.

Questions

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Choice A rationale:

This is the correct action to take. Evaluating the effectiveness of nursing interventions involves reassessing the patient's condition and comparing it to the expected outcomes. This step helps determine whether the interventions are producing the desired results and if any adjustments are needed.

Choice B rationale:

While documenting the nursing assessment, diagnosis, and plan is essential for maintaining accurate patient records, it is not the most direct action for evaluating the effectiveness of interventions. Documentation supports continuity of care but doesn't provide immediate insight into intervention outcomes.

Choice C rationale:

Involving the family in the treatment process (choice C) can be important for a patient's overall well-being, but it doesn't directly address the evaluation of nursing interventions. Family involvement is more related to the planning and implementation stages of care.

Choice D rationale:

Consulting with other members of the multidisciplinary team is a collaborative approach to patient care, but it's not the primary action for evaluating the effectiveness of nursing interventions. Team collaboration contributes to comprehensive care but doesn't directly assess intervention outcomes.