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?

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.

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.