What is the primary nursing concern for a patient with anorexia nervosa during the early stages of treatment?

Questions 83

ATI RN

ATI RN Test Bank

Age Specific Care Questions

Question 1 of 5

What is the primary nursing concern for a patient with anorexia nervosa during the early stages of treatment?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The primary nursing concern for a patient with anorexia nervosa in the early stages of treatment is maintaining nutritional intake to prevent further weight loss. This is crucial as malnutrition can lead to serious health complications. Ensuring adequate nutrition supports physical health and provides a foundation for addressing psychological issues in later stages of treatment. Rapid weight gain (A) can be harmful and lead to refeeding syndrome. Addressing psychological issues (B) and promoting self-esteem (D) are important but secondary concerns once nutritional stability is achieved.

Question 2 of 5

A nurse is working with a patient diagnosed with bulimia nervosa. Which of the following would indicate the need for further education?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because it indicates a lack of awareness about the severity of the disorder. Choice A acknowledges the harm of purging but struggles to stop, showing insight. Choice B recognizes the temporary relief of purging but understands the need for a better solution. Choice D demonstrates active engagement with healthcare professionals for support. In contrast, choice C suggests overconfidence in managing the disorder independently, which can hinder recovery progress. It is crucial for individuals with bulimia nervosa to acknowledge the need for professional help and support.

Question 3 of 5

What is the most effective strategy for preventing relapse in a patient with anorexia nervosa?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because offering therapy to address both physical and emotional factors is the most effective strategy for preventing relapse in a patient with anorexia nervosa. This approach helps the patient develop coping skills, explore underlying issues, and learn healthier ways to manage emotions and stress. By addressing both physical and emotional factors, the patient can build a strong support system, improve self-esteem, and work towards a sustainable recovery. Choice A is incorrect because providing a rigid, inflexible meal plan with strict weight goals may increase anxiety and reinforce harmful behaviors associated with anorexia nervosa. Choice C is incorrect as encouraging the patient to lose weight to maintain control can perpetuate the disorder and increase the risk of relapse. Choice D is incorrect because focusing on body image improvement before addressing nutrition neglects the essential aspect of nutrition in recovery and may lead to distorted perceptions of health.

Question 4 of 5

A psychiatric technician mentions to the nurse, 'All these clients with Axis II problems! It makes me wonder how so many mothers could have been such poor parents and messed up their kids so badly!' The response by the nurse that helps put the development of personality disorders into perspective is:

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why choice C is correct: 1. Personality disorders are complex conditions influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and biological factors. 2. Research has shown evidence suggesting a biological component in the development of personality disorders. 3. Understanding the biological component helps to destigmatize and provide a more comprehensive view of personality disorders. 4. This response helps the psychiatric technician understand that blaming parents solely is not accurate and that multiple factors contribute to the development of personality disorders. Summary: Choice C is correct because it highlights the importance of considering biological factors in the development of personality disorders, providing a more holistic perspective. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not address the multifactorial nature of personality disorders.

Question 5 of 5

An individual brought by ambulance to the emergency room is accompanied by a roommate. The patient fights against the restraints and shouts incoherently. The roommate reports that the patient was weak and confused on awakening this morning and about 3 hours ago began "rambling and talking crazy." A nurse notes that the patient's skin is flushed and dry. The priority nursing action is to:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: take the patient's vital signs. This is the priority action because the patient is exhibiting signs of potential medical emergency, such as altered mental status, flushed and dry skin, and confusion. Vital signs can provide crucial information about the patient's condition and help determine the urgency of the situation. Starting intravenous fluids (B) may be necessary but should be based on the assessment of vital signs first. Administering a sedative (C) is not appropriate without knowing the underlying cause of the symptoms. Performing a mental status examination (D) is important but not the priority in this situation where the patient's physical condition needs immediate attention.

Access More Questions!

ATI RN Basic


$89/ 30 days

ATI RN Premium


$150/ 90 days

Similar Questions