Target Healthcare Related

Review Target Healthcare related questions and content

A patient with bulimia nervosa expresses that they feel better after purging. How should the nurse respond?

  • A. Encourage the patient to continue purging to maintain weight.
  • B. Explain that purging has long-term harmful effects on the body.
  • C. Agree that purging can help with weight control and self-esteem.
  • D. Tell the patient that purging is an effective method to prevent weight gain.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because purging in bulimia nervosa is a maladaptive behavior with severe health consequences. The nurse should educate the patient about the long-term harmful effects of purging, such as electrolyte imbalances, dental issues, and organ damage. Encouraging the patient to continue purging (A) reinforces the harmful behavior. Agreeing with the patient (C) or suggesting purging as an effective weight management method (D) further perpetuates the unhealthy behavior and fails to address the underlying issues. Overall, educating the patient about the risks of purging is essential in promoting recovery and better health outcomes.