A patient with fluctuating levels of awareness, confusion, and disorientation shouts, 'The bugs, they are crawling on my legs! Get them off me!' The nurse's inspections show that no bugs are present. The nurse can best assess this presentation as:

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Age Specific Care Questions

Question 1 of 5

A patient with fluctuating levels of awareness, confusion, and disorientation shouts, 'The bugs, they are crawling on my legs! Get them off me!' The nurse's inspections show that no bugs are present. The nurse can best assess this presentation as:

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Tactile hallucinations. Tactile hallucinations involve the perception of physical sensations such as bugs crawling on the skin when no external stimuli are present. In this scenario, the patient's complaint of bugs crawling on their legs despite the nurse's inspection confirming the absence of bugs indicates a sensory hallucination, specifically a tactile one. This is different from perseveration (repetition of a particular response or activity) and hypermetamorphosis (excessive attention to environmental details). Choosing "None of the above" would not address the specific symptom of tactile hallucinations described in the patient's presentation.

Question 2 of 5

When a patient with anorexia nervosa is admitted for treatment, the milieu should provide: (Select all that apply.)

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Flexible mealtimes. In the treatment of anorexia nervosa, providing flexible mealtimes allows patients to regain a sense of control over their eating habits, which is crucial in their recovery process. This approach helps to reduce anxiety around food and promotes a healthier relationship with eating. Choice B: Unscheduled weight checks can be triggering and anxiety-provoking for patients with anorexia nervosa, as weight monitoring can be a significant source of distress for them. Choice C: Adherence to a selected menu may reinforce rigid eating patterns and control issues related to food, which can be counterproductive in the treatment of anorexia nervosa. Choice D: None of the above is incorrect because providing flexible mealtimes is essential in creating a supportive and therapeutic environment for patients with anorexia nervosa.

Question 3 of 5

What is the correct assessment for a patient with bulimia nervosa who frequently engages in purging behaviors?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct assessment for a patient with bulimia nervosa who frequently engages in purging behaviors is to observe for parotid gland enlargement and dehydration. Parotid gland enlargement is a common physical manifestation due to repeated vomiting, and dehydration can result from purging behaviors. This assessment is crucial in monitoring the patient's physical health and identifying potential complications. Assessing for fluid retention and leg swelling (Choice B) is more typical in conditions like heart failure. Performing weight checks (Choice C) may not accurately reflect the patient's health status due to fluid shifts. Evaluating for signs of hyperactivity and poor sleep (Choice D) are not directly related to the immediate physical consequences of purging behaviors.

Question 4 of 5

A nurse is caring for a patient with bulimia nervosa. The nurse should monitor for which of the following complications?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Nutritional deficiency and dehydration. In bulimia nervosa, recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by purging can lead to electrolyte imbalances, dehydration, and malnutrition. Monitoring for nutritional deficiencies and dehydration is crucial in managing patients with bulimia nervosa. Explanation for why other choices are incorrect: B: Respiratory failure and aspiration pneumonia - Although purging behaviors can increase the risk of aspiration pneumonia, it is not as common as nutritional deficiencies and dehydration in patients with bulimia nervosa. C: Peripheral edema and hyperkalemia - These complications are not typically associated with bulimia nervosa. D: Mental confusion and decreased blood pressure - While electrolyte imbalances can lead to mental confusion, these specific complications are not as common as nutritional deficiencies and dehydration in patients with bulimia nervosa.

Question 5 of 5

Which of the following statements by a patient with anorexia nervosa indicates a need for further education?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because it indicates a misunderstanding of anorexia nervosa. Patients with anorexia often see food as the enemy, which is a distorted perception. Understanding that food is necessary for nourishment and health is crucial in recovery. Choice A shows an unhealthy weight goal, choice B shows awareness of low weight, and choice D shows willingness to work with the healthcare team, all of which are positive signs.

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