A nurse is providing education to a group of adolescents about eating disorders. Which statement by one of the participants indicates a need for further education?

Choice A rationale:

The main goal of treatment for eating disorders is to correct nutritional deficiencies and address medical complications. Many individuals with eating disorders suffer from severe malnutrition due to inadequate food intake, and this can lead to a range of medical issues such as electrolyte imbalances, cardiac problems, and organ dysfunction. Prioritizing the correction of these physical health issues is essential to ensure the patient's immediate well-being and prevent further deterioration.

Choice B rationale:

While restoring normal eating patterns is an important aspect of treating eating disorders, it is not the main goal. Normalizing eating habits and reestablishing a healthy relationship with food are crucial steps in the recovery process, but these efforts often come after addressing the immediate medical concerns.

Choice C rationale:

Addressing underlying psychological issues is an integral part of eating disorder treatment, but it is not the main goal as specified in the question. Psychological issues like distorted body image, low self-esteem, and anxiety play a significant role in perpetuating eating disorders. Therapeutic interventions and counseling are employed to tackle these underlying issues, but they are typically part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes medical stabilization.

Choice D rationale:

Preventing relapse is an important long-term goal in eating disorder treatment, but it is not the primary focus when considering the immediate and acute phase of treatment. Relapse prevention strategies become more prominent as patients progress in their recovery journey and work towards maintaining their newfound health and well-being.

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.