The patient tells his primary nurse 'I get into trouble because I have hair-trigger responses. I shoot from the hip. Lots of times that gets me into a mess.' Which response would be most therapeutic?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because it demonstrates empathy and offers a therapeutic approach to help the patient manage their hair-trigger responses. By suggesting ways to slow down and think before acting, the nurse is providing practical strategies for the patient to work on self-regulation and impulse control. This response shows active listening and a commitment to supporting the patient in developing coping mechanisms. Option B is incorrect as it focuses on exploring the root cause rather than offering immediate support. Option C is incorrect as it may encourage dwelling on past mistakes rather than focusing on problem-solving. Option D is incorrect as it praises the patient without addressing the need for behavior change.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hypokalemia and dental enamel erosion. 1. Bulimia nervosa involves frequent vomiting, leading to loss of potassium (hypokalemia) due to electrolyte imbalance. 2. Vomiting also damages tooth enamel, causing dental erosion. 3. Hyperkalemia and elevated blood pressure (choice B) are not typically associated with bulimia. 4. Severe dehydration and low blood sugar (choice C) are possible but not the primary concerns. 5. Hypercalcemia and weight gain (choice D) are not common complications of bulimia.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. The priority nursing intervention for a patient with bulimia nervosa engaging in purging behaviors is to monitor electrolyte levels and cardiac function. This is crucial due to the potential electrolyte imbalances and cardiac complications resulting from purging behaviors. Monitoring these parameters helps prevent life-threatening conditions such as hypokalemia and arrhythmias. Option B is incorrect as self-monitoring of food intake may not address the immediate health risks associated with purging behaviors. Option C is also incorrect as emotional support and body image acceptance are important but not the immediate priority in this case. Option D is incorrect as focusing on weight loss through diet control can exacerbate the patient's eating disorder behaviors and does not address the urgent medical concerns associated with purging.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because feeling good about their body and not recognizing the need to gain weight is a common symptom of anorexia nervosa. This statement indicates a lack of insight into the seriousness of their condition and the necessity to restore a healthy weight. The other choices (A, C, D) demonstrate an understanding of the importance of weight gain, collaboration with healthcare professionals, and the need for increased food intake to improve health, indicating a willingness to engage in treatment and recovery.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Personalization. Personalization is a cognitive distortion where an individual attributes external events to themselves without any evidence. In this case, the patient is assuming that people laughing were directed at them and related to their weight gain, which is a distorted belief. A: Magnification involves blowing things out of proportion, which is not evident in this scenario. C: Overgeneralization involves drawing broad conclusions based on a single incident, which is not happening here. D: Dichotomous thinking involves seeing things in black and white terms, which is not demonstrated in the patient's statement. In summary, the patient's attribution of others' laughter to their weight gain without evidence aligns with the cognitive distortion of personalization, making it the correct choice.