A young adult client is admitted to a psychiatric facility with a diagnosis of bulimia nervosa. Which nursing intervention has the highest priority?
Monitor the client carefully for binging activities.
Assess and report the client's electrolyte status to the healthcare provider.
Assign the client's care to a nurse of approximately the same age.
Schedule the client for group therapy with other bulimic clients.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale: Monitoring for binging activities is important, but addressing the potential physiological complications of bulimia, such as electrolyte imbalances, takes precedence.
Choice B rationale: Assessing and reporting the client's electrolyte status is the highest priority as bulimia nervosa can lead to severe electrolyte imbalances, which may result in life-threatening complications.
Choice C rationale: Assigning care based on age is not a priority in addressing the immediate health risks associated with bulimia nervosa.
Choice D rationale: While group therapy is beneficial, addressing the client's physical health and safety is the highest priority.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:A. The drug that was ingested is the most important information because knowing the specific substance determines the course of treatment. For example, acetaminophen overdose requires administration of N-acetylcysteine, while opioid overdose requires naloxone. Different drugs have different toxic effects, antidotes, and supportive measures, making this information critical to providing appropriate and potentially life-saving care.
Choice B rationale: The time since drug ingestion is important because many interventions, such as gastric lavage or activated charcoal, are time-sensitive. However, without knowing the specific drug, it is difficult to determine whether these interventions are necessary or effective
Choice C rationale: Knowing the reason for the suicide attempt is important for overall assessment and treatment planning but may not provide immediate information for the current situation.
Choice D rationale: Past history of depression is relevant to the client's overall mental health, but in the context of a suspected drug overdose, the time since ingestion takes precedence.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Asking about a bad experience may provide additional information, but it does not directly address the behavioral aspect of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Choice B rationale: This response shows empathy and curiosity and invites the client to explore their cognitive processes behind their compulsive behavior. The nurse can help the client identify and challenge their irrational or distorted thoughts that fuel their anxiety and drive them to check the locks repeatedly.
Choice C rationale: Acknowledging that repeating the same behavior helps diminish anxiety might reinforce the client's belief that checking the locks is necessary and beneficial, which could prevent them from seeking alternative coping strategies.
Choice D rationale: Stating that feelings of being driven are related to anxiety is a general observation and may not contribute to a deeper understanding of the client's experience with OCD.
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