A nurse is caring for a patient with bulimia nervosa. Which intervention should the nurse prioritize?

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Question 1 of 5

A nurse is caring for a patient with bulimia nervosa. Which intervention should the nurse prioritize?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Assisting the patient in identifying triggers for binge-purge cycles is crucial in the treatment of bulimia nervosa. By understanding the triggers, the patient can learn to recognize and manage them effectively, leading to a reduction in the frequency of binge-purge episodes. This intervention helps address the root cause of the disorder and promotes long-term recovery. Choice B is incorrect because solely focusing on achieving a normal weight overlooks the complex psychological factors involved in bulimia nervosa. Choice C is incorrect as providing daily exercise routines may exacerbate the patient's obsession with weight and body image. Choice D is incorrect as discouraging discussions about food can hinder the patient's ability to address their relationship with food and emotions.

Question 2 of 5

What is the most important aspect of refeeding for a patient with anorexia nervosa?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because refeeding should start slowly to prevent refeeding syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition caused by rapid electrolyte shifts. Gradually increasing caloric intake allows the body to adjust and reduces the risk of complications. Rapid weight gain (B) is not recommended as it can lead to medical complications. Encouraging independent food choices (C) may not be suitable initially as structured meal plans are often necessary. Restricting fluid intake (D) is not advisable as adequate hydration is crucial during refeeding.

Question 3 of 5

Which is the most appropriate response when a patient with bulimia nervosa expresses feelings of shame about their purging behaviors?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because focusing on helping the patient identify triggers for purging behaviors is essential in addressing the underlying issues contributing to their behavior. By identifying triggers, the patient can develop coping strategies and alternative behaviors. Choice A is incorrect as avoiding discussing eating habits can hinder progress in therapy. Choice B is incorrect as simply agreeing and offering reassurance without addressing the root cause may not lead to lasting change. Choice D is incorrect as it promotes the harmful behavior of purging for weight management, which goes against the goal of treating bulimia nervosa.

Question 4 of 5

A physical therapist recently convicted of multiple counts of Medicare fraud is brought to the emergency department after taking an overdose of sedatives. He tells the nurse, 'Sure I overbilled. Why not? Everybody takes advantage of the government. They have too many rules. No one can abide by all of them.' These statements can be assessed as showing:

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: lack of guilt feelings. The physical therapist's statements indicate a lack of remorse or guilt about committing Medicare fraud. He minimizes his actions and justifies them by blaming the government's rules. This demonstrates a lack of ethical responsibility and empathy for the consequences of his fraudulent behavior. A: Glibness and charm typically involve being smooth-talking and charismatic, which is not evident in the therapist's statements. B: Superficial remorse would imply some level of acknowledgment of wrongdoing, which is not present in the therapist's justifications. D: Excessive suspiciousness refers to unfounded mistrust or paranoia, which is not demonstrated in the therapist's statements.

Question 5 of 5

An individual is brought by ambulance to the emergency room. The patient's roommate reports that the patient was weak and confused on awakening and began "rambling and talking crazy" about 3 hours ago. A nurse notes that the patient's skin is flushed and dry. When transferred to a bed, the patient strikes out at the staff and shouts, "You're not going to kill me!" The most likely analysis of this behavior is:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: disturbed sensory perception related to altered brain function. The patient's presenting symptoms of confusion, rambling speech, physical aggression, and paranoia suggest an altered mental state. The flushed and dry skin may indicate dehydration, which can affect brain function. The behavior is likely a result of the patient's distorted sensory perceptions due to an underlying physiological or neurological issue. Incorrect choices: A: disturbed self-esteem related to catastrophic reaction - This choice does not address the patient's specific symptoms and is not supported by the scenario. C: other-directed violence related to fear associated with hospitalization - While fear of hospitalization may contribute to violence, it does not explain the patient's overall presentation of altered mental status. D: impaired environmental interpretational syndrome related to metabolic disturbance - This choice does not directly address the patient's symptoms and does not explain the confusion and paranoia displayed.

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