The nurse is working with the family of a child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. What would be an appropriate intervention for the family?

A: A cocaine abuser with chest pain should be assessed first because chest pain can indicate a life-threatening condition such as a myocardial infarction (heart attack). Cocaine use increases the risk of cardiovascular events, making this client a priority.

B: An intoxicated client with a long history of alcoholism needs medical attention, but their condition is likely less immediately life-threatening compared to chest pain from cocaine use.

C: A client who recently experienced a “bad trip” from LSD may be experiencing psychological distress, but this is generally not as immediately life-threatening as chest pain.

D: A young man who thinks they have been given flunitrazepam (Rohypnol) needs to be assessed for potential drug-facilitated assault, but this situation is less immediately critical than chest pain from cocaine use.

A: This statement suggests secretive eating behaviors, which are characteristic of bulimia. Individuals with bulimia often eat large amounts of food in secret and then engage in compensatory behaviors such as purging. The mother’s observation that her daughter sneaks food to her room aligns with this pattern.

B: While fatigue and a lack of energy can be associated with various conditions, including eating disorders, this statement is not specific enough to indicate bulimia. It could be related to many other factors such as stress, depression, or physical illness.

C: Anxiety and academic challenges are common among adolescents but do not specifically point to bulimia. While stress can contribute to eating disorders, this statement alone does not provide enough evidence to suggest bulimia.

D: This statement reflects a situational stressor related to college acceptance but does not indicate any eating disorder behaviors. It is more about the adolescent’s emotional state and future plans rather than current eating habits.