A patient is referred to the visiting nurse agency due to cognitive impairment. Which functional problems is this patient most likely to exhibit?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Inability to bathe and dress independently. Cognitive impairment can impact a person's ability to remember tasks and follow routines, resulting in difficulties with self-care activities like bathing and dressing. This is a common functional problem seen in patients with cognitive impairment. Choice B (Wandering) is more indicative of behavioral symptoms like agitation and restlessness. Choice C (Mood lability) is related to emotional regulation and not directly related to functional problems caused by cognitive impairment. Choice D (None of the above) is incorrect as cognitive impairment often leads to difficulties with self-care tasks.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because interacting with clients who have similar problems in a therapy group for eating disorders helps prevent secondary gains related to feeling different or unique in their struggles. This interaction can offer a sense of validation, support, and understanding, which can be crucial for individuals with eating disorders. It fosters a sense of belonging and reduces the feelings of isolation that often accompany these disorders. Choice A is incorrect because the primary focus of group therapy for eating disorders is to address and work through issues related to food and body image, rather than distracting clients from these concerns. Choice C is incorrect because the purpose of group therapy is to provide a safe space for clients to explore and address their personal concerns within a supportive group setting, not to avoid dealing with them. Choice D is also incorrect as interacting with similar others in a therapy group has specific benefits for individuals with eating disorders.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because an obsession with calorie intake and extreme weight loss is a hallmark symptom of anorexia nervosa. Individuals with anorexia nervosa typically have a distorted body image and an intense fear of gaining weight. This leads them to restrict their food intake severely, leading to extreme weight loss. Choice A is incorrect because excessive eating followed by purging is more characteristic of bulimia nervosa, not anorexia nervosa. Choice C is incorrect as compulsive exercising is more commonly associated with another eating disorder called orthorexia nervosa. Choice D is incorrect as binge eating episodes with a lack of control are symptoms of binge eating disorder, not anorexia nervosa.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assess and monitor the patient's electrolyte levels. This is the priority intervention because purging in bulimia nervosa can lead to electrolyte imbalances, which can be life-threatening. Monitoring electrolyte levels is crucial to prevent complications such as cardiac arrhythmias or organ damage. A: Ensuring access to therapy and counseling is important but not the priority in this case where immediate medical attention is needed for potential electrolyte imbalances. C: Encouraging a balanced diet is essential in the long term but not the immediate priority when dealing with the potential medical complications of purging. D: Providing education about dangers is important, but it is not the most critical intervention at this moment compared to monitoring electrolyte levels.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Patients with anorexia nervosa often have bradycardia and hypotension due to the physiological effects of severe malnutrition. Explanation: Severe restriction of food intake leads to decreased energy stores, causing the body to slow down its metabolic processes, including heart rate and blood pressure. Bradycardia and hypotension are common findings in individuals with anorexia nervosa. Summary: A: Increased appetite and food cravings are not expected findings in anorexia nervosa as patients typically have a decreased appetite. B: A body mass index (BMI) in the normal range is not expected in anorexia nervosa, as patients often have a low BMI due to significant weight loss. D: Elevated blood pressure and rapid pulse are not typical findings in anorexia nervosa; rather, patients may present with low blood pressure and bradycardia.