A patient has anorexia nervosa. The history shows the patient virtually stopped eating 5 months ago and lost 25% of body weight. The serum potassium is 2.7 mg/dL. Which nursing diagnosis applies?
- A. Adult failure to thrive related to abuse of laxatives, as evidenced by electrolyte imbalances and weight loss
- B. Ineffective health maintenance related to self-induced vomiting, as evidenced by swollen parotid glands and hyperkalemia
- C. Disturbed energy field related to physical exertion in excess of energy produced through caloric intake, as evidenced by weight loss and hyperkalemia
- D. Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements related to refusal to eat, as evidenced by loss of 25% of body weight and hypokalemia
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements related to refusal to eat, as evidenced by loss of 25% of body weight and hypokalemia.
Rationale:
1. Anorexia nervosa involves severe restriction of food intake, leading to significant weight loss and malnutrition.
2. The patient's history of virtually stopping eating and losing 25% of body weight aligns with the nursing diagnosis of imbalanced nutrition.
3. Hypokalemia (low serum potassium level) is common in patients with anorexia nervosa due to inadequate intake or purging behaviors.
4. The other choices are incorrect because they do not match the patient's specific presentation of anorexia nervosa and hypokalemia.
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What is the key component of treatment for a patient with anorexia nervosa?
- A. Encouraging rapid weight gain and exercise.
- B. Establishing a structured meal plan and emotional support.
- C. Restricting food intake to avoid further weight gain.
- D. Promoting independence and avoidance of therapy.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because establishing a structured meal plan helps regulate eating behaviors and promotes nutrition restoration, while emotional support addresses underlying psychological issues. Rapid weight gain and exercise (A) can be harmful due to medical complications. Restricting food intake (C) worsens the condition. Promoting independence and avoiding therapy (D) hinder recovery by neglecting the importance of professional help.
Police bring a 63-year-old woman to the emergency room, reporting that her behavior is disorganized and disruptive, that her speech makes little sense, and that she does not seem able to take care of herself. The woman has had elective surgeries at the hospital previously and was seen in the ER last week after a fall; records show no history of similar symptoms or mental illness. The ER physician speaks with the patient but does not examine her medically, diagnoses her with schizophrenia, and orders admission to the inpatient psychiatric unit. Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate?
- A. Ask another physician with more of an interest in psychiatry to also take a look at this patient, explaining that you just want to be as thorough as possible.
- B. Suggest that a psychiatric consult be requested before admitting the patient to a psychiatric unit, to validate the diagnosis and speed the initiation of medication.
- C. Remind the physician that schizophrenia usually develops earlier in life, that such presentations may be caused by medical problems, and suggest a medical work-up.
- D. Note that the patient's blood pressure and respirations were elevated when she arrived, and suggest that they be evaluated before admitting the patient to the psychiatric unit.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it demonstrates critical thinking and patient advocacy. By reminding the physician that schizophrenia typically develops earlier in life and suggesting a medical work-up, the nurse is advocating for a comprehensive approach to ruling out potential medical causes for the patient's symptoms before jumping to a psychiatric diagnosis. This approach aligns with best practices in patient care and ensures that all possible underlying causes are considered and addressed appropriately.
Choice A is incorrect because it does not address the need for a medical work-up to rule out physical causes of the symptoms. Choice B is incorrect as it focuses on validating the diagnosis and initiating medication rather than investigating potential medical issues. Choice D is incorrect as it only addresses the patient's vital signs, overlooking the need for a thorough medical evaluation.
A man with hypospadias tells the nurse, 'Intercourse with my new bride is painful.' Which term applies to the patient's complaint?
- A. Dyspareunia
- B. Erectile dysfunction
- C. Premature ejaculation
- D. Genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder. This term is applicable because it specifically refers to pain experienced during intercourse, which aligns with the patient's complaint. Hypospadias can lead to difficulties in penetration and subsequent pain during intercourse.
Choice A: Dyspareunia refers to persistent or recurrent pain during sexual intercourse, which is a broader term than what the patient is experiencing.
Choice B: Erectile dysfunction is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection, which is not directly related to the patient's complaint of pain during intercourse.
Choice C: Premature ejaculation is the early release of semen during sexual activity, which is unrelated to the pain experienced by the patient during intercourse.
Discuss six (6) modalities of treatment used in mental illness
- A. Medication
- B. Psychotherapy
- C. ECT
- D. Lifestyle changes
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Treatments range from pharmacotherapy and counseling to electroconvulsive therapy, lifestyle adjustments, peer support, and inpatient care.
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:
- A. Parenting is the responsibility of fathers, too, so don't blame only mothers.'
- B. Personality disorder is often related to sexual abuse that occurs without parental knowledge.'
- C. There is some evidence to suggest a biologic component to personality disorders.'
- D. Peer interactions may be more important in child development than parental involvement.'
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.