ATI LPN
Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition
Chapter 70 : Caring for Clients With Eating Disorders Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse who works in an outpatient mental health facility understands that imbalances of serotonin and/or dopamine levels are linked to eating disorders. Which behavior problem is most likely to be associated with the fear of becoming fat?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: About one third of people with eating disorders have had previous symptoms of anxiety disorder known as obsessive-compulsive disorder. Having an obsessional fear of fat may precipitate the compulsive behavior to control the fear. Panic disorder and agoraphobia are forms of anxiety disorders not significant to eating disorder. Conversion disorder is a somatoform disorder not significant to eating disorders.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is assessing a female client who has recently drastically decreased the amount of food and number of calories consumed each day. Which assessment finding is most indicative of a client who is experiencing severe malnutrition?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Severe malnutrition causes the cessation of menstruation in females. Weight loss is expected with curtailing of calories but does not indicate severe malnutrition. BMI of 18 is low and indicates being underweight but not significant for severe malnutrition. In severe malnutrition, potassium levels are dangerously low.
Question 3 of 5
A teenager is being seen in the outpatient clinic after a fainting episode at home. The client's body mass index (BMI) is 16, and she reports no menses for the past 3 months. Which additional assessment finding would the nurse anticipate?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Severe malnutrition can result in temperature intolerance and feeling cold. Hypothermia is linked to the loss of subcutaneous fat. Lanugo may develop to assist in the maintenance of body temperature. Bradycardia is another physical symptom associated with anorexia nervosa. Clubbing of the fingers and toes is not indicated in eating disorders.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is providing a teaching seminar to a group of teenagers on the subject of healthy eating. A scale is used to calculate body mass index (BMI) for each individual participant. A participant asks the nurse if a BMI of 25 is normal.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The healthy interpretation of BMI ranges from 18.5 to 24.9. Knowing that teenagers are very susceptible to eating disorders and desire for thinness, the nurse takes the focus off the number (25) and addresses healthy lifestyle. BMI is only one tool used for anthropometric data collection. Ratio of fat to lean muscle mass is not included in BMI. A BMI of 30 is indicative of obesity and would not be considered ideal.
Question 5 of 5
A client who is diagnosed with anorexia nervosa agrees to participate in a recovery program. Which comment by the client indicates the best understanding of the recovery process?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Multiple biologic, psychological, and social factors influence the development of eating disorders. Recovery is considered a long and costly process, with fewer than 50% of clients achieving recovery over 5 years. Counseling and involvement in self-help groups for several years are often indicated. Because there is a link between eating disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder, this may be a lifelong recovery plan. Gaining a few pounds is an appropriate first step to recovery. Antidepressants are often used to control the serotonin levels associated with anorexia.