Which of the following interventions is most appropriate for a patient with bulimia nervosa?

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Question 1 of 5

Which of the following interventions is most appropriate for a patient with bulimia nervosa?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because offering emotional support and focusing on healthy coping mechanisms are crucial in treating bulimia nervosa. This approach addresses the psychological aspects of the disorder and helps the patient develop healthier behaviors. Regular weight monitoring and food restriction (choice A) can exacerbate the disorder by reinforcing a focus on weight and food. Medications to induce vomiting (choice C) can be harmful and do not address the underlying issues. Focusing on weight loss and reducing food intake (choice D) may worsen the patient's disordered eating behaviors and contribute to a cycle of restriction and bingeing.

Question 2 of 5

A patient with borderline personality disorder has been making steady progress but one day gets a phone call from her boyfriend, who breaks off their relationship. Although she has not self-injured in over 2 months, she makes repeated lacerations on her forearm. Which statement about this and most maladaptive behaviors seen in personality disorders is most accurate?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: However dysfunctional, most behavior is the person's best effort to cope. Rationale: 1. People with borderline personality disorder often struggle with intense emotions and unstable relationships. 2. Self-injury is a maladaptive coping mechanism used to manage overwhelming emotions or distress. 3. In this scenario, the patient resorts to self-injury as a coping strategy after the breakup triggers intense emotional pain. 4. Despite being maladaptive, the behavior serves as a coping mechanism to regulate emotions. 5. Understanding that maladaptive behaviors are often the individual's best attempt to cope helps in providing non-judgmental support and promoting healthier coping strategies. Summary: A: Incorrect. People with personality disorders can make progress with appropriate treatment and support. C: Incorrect. While external factors may trigger behaviors, individuals with personality disorders have agency in their actions. D: Incorrect. Improvement in behavior should not always be viewed as manipulation; it can indicate genuine progress in coping skills.

Question 3 of 5

A patient tells the nurse that he is planning to hire a private detective to follow his wife, who he believes is having an extramarital affair. The patient looks behind the door to be sure no one is eavesdropping and asks the nurse what she did with his medical record after he left. The patient's behaviors are most consistent with a diagnosis of:

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: The correct diagnosis is paranoid personality disorder (C). This is supported by the patient's suspiciousness and mistrust, as shown by planning to hire a detective and checking for eavesdroppers. These behaviors align with the core features of paranoid personality disorder, such as pervasive distrust and suspicion of others. Incorrect choices: A: Antisocial personality disorder is characterized by disregard for others' rights and lack of empathy, not by suspicion or mistrust. B: Schizoid personality disorder entails social withdrawal and emotional coldness, not suspiciousness. D: Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder involves perfectionism and control, not paranoia or mistrust.

Question 4 of 5

Which statement by a patient with bulimia nervosa indicates a need for further education?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: Choice C indicates a need for further education because it suggests the patient believes they can manage bulimia without help. Patients with bulimia often require professional intervention for successful treatment. Choices A, B, and D acknowledge the need for therapy, understanding of long-term consequences, and recognition of unhealthy behaviors, respectively.

Question 5 of 5

What is the most important goal for a nurse when providing care for a patient with bulimia nervosa?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: To help the patient eliminate purging behaviors and develop healthy eating habits. This goal is important because it addresses the core issues of bulimia nervosa, which are unhealthy purging behaviors and distorted eating patterns. By helping the patient stop purging and establish healthy eating habits, the nurse can promote long-term recovery and overall well-being. Choice A is incorrect because promoting weight loss through strict dietary control can exacerbate the patient's unhealthy relationship with food and body image. Choice C is incorrect as encouraging excessive exercise can contribute to a cycle of compulsive behaviors and worsen the patient's physical and mental health. Choice D is incorrect because focusing solely on body image issues neglects the underlying psychological factors contributing to bulimia nervosa.

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