A nurse is caring for a patient with bulimia nervosa. What is a priority assessment for this patient?
- A. Electrolyte imbalances and cardiac function.
- B. Body image issues and mental health status.
- C. Nutritional status and hydration levels.
- D. Weight changes and exercise patterns.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Electrolyte imbalances and cardiac function. This is because patients with bulimia nervosa often engage in purging behaviors which can lead to electrolyte imbalances and cardiac complications. Assessing electrolyte levels and cardiac function is crucial to prevent life-threatening complications.
Choice B is incorrect because while body image and mental health are important considerations, they are not the priority assessment in this case. Choice C is also incorrect as nutritional status and hydration levels can be affected, but not as immediately life-threatening as electrolyte imbalances and cardiac issues. Choice D is incorrect as weight changes and exercise patterns may be important, but they are not the priority assessment for a patient with bulimia nervosa.
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A man who regularly experiences premature ejaculation tells the nurse, 'I feel like such a failure. It's so awful for both me and my partner.' Select the nurse's most therapeutic response.
- A. I sense you are feeling frustrated and upset.
- B. Tell me more about feeling like a failure.
- C. You are too hard on yourself.
- D. What do you mean by awful?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it acknowledges the man's emotions of frustration and upset, showing empathy and understanding. This response validates his feelings and opens the door for further discussion. Choice B shifts the focus away from the man's current emotions. Choice C minimizes his feelings and may come across as dismissive. Choice D is too vague and doesn't address the man's emotional state directly. Overall, choice A is the most therapeutic as it validates the man's feelings and encourages him to express more.
A catatonic patient admitted in a stuporous condition begins to demonstrate increased motor activity. During his assessment, the psychiatrist raises the patient's arm above his head and releases it. The patient maintains the position his arm was placed in, immobile in that position for 15 minutes, moving only when the nurse gently lowers his arm. What symptom is demonstrated by this assessment technique?
- A. Echopraxia
- B. Waxy flexibility
- C. Depersonalization
- D. Thought withdrawal
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Waxy flexibility involves maintaining a posture imposed by another person, as seen in the patient's arm staying raised. This behavior is indicative of catatonia, a symptom of severe mental illness. Echopraxia involves mimicking movements of others, not maintaining a position. Depersonalization is a feeling of detachment from oneself, not related to physical movements. Thought withdrawal pertains to a symptom in schizophrenia where thoughts are removed by an external force, not related to physical posture.
What is the most important aspect of nursing care for patients with anorexia nervosa during refeeding?
- A. Refeed the patient with high-calorie foods quickly to gain weight.
- B. Start with small, manageable portions and gradually increase caloric intake.
- C. Restrict food choices to healthy foods only.
- D. Encourage the patient to take food supplements in addition to meals.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Start with small, manageable portions and gradually increase caloric intake. This approach is essential because refeeding syndrome can occur in patients with anorexia nervosa, where rapid refeeding can lead to severe electrolyte imbalances and potentially life-threatening complications. Starting with small portions helps to prevent this syndrome by allowing the body to gradually adjust to increased caloric intake. Additionally, it helps in preventing overwhelming the patient with large amounts of food, which can trigger anxiety and resistance to eating.
Incorrect choices:
A: Refeed the patient with high-calorie foods quickly to gain weight - This can lead to refeeding syndrome and is not a safe approach.
C: Restrict food choices to healthy foods only - Restricting food choices can exacerbate disordered eating behaviors and does not address the need for gradual refeeding.
D: Encourage the patient to take food supplements in addition to meals - While supplements can be helpful, they should not be a primary focus over balanced
Which nursing diagnosis is more relevant for a patient with anorexia nervosa who restricts intake and is 20% below normal weight than for a 130-pound patient with bulimia nervosa who purges?
- A. Powerlessness
- B. Ineffective coping
- C. Disturbed body image
- D. Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements. For a patient with anorexia nervosa who restricts intake and is 20% below normal weight, this diagnosis is more relevant as it directly addresses the issue of inadequate food intake leading to weight loss. Powerlessness (A) may not be as directly related to the physical consequences of anorexia. Ineffective coping (B) and Disturbed body image (C) are more commonly associated with bulimia nervosa and do not address the primary concern of malnutrition in this case.
Major concerns of the elderly living alone in their home are: (Name 1)
- A. Safety
- B. Quality of life
- C. Support system
- D. Access to medical care
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Safety (A) is a major concern for the elderly living alone, as it impacts their ability to remain independent and healthy. Other concerns like quality of life (B), support system (C), and medical access (D) are also relevant but asked as a single choice here.