Age Specific Patient Care Related

Review Age Specific Patient Care related questions and content

The nurse is evaluating a patient with bulimia nervosa. The most appropriate action is to:

  • A. Assign a strict dietary plan to prevent weight gain.
  • B. Monitor the patient for physical symptoms of starvation.
  • C. Encourage the patient to avoid purging after meals.
  • D. Provide emotional support without focusing on food-related behaviors.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Encourage the patient to avoid purging after meals. This is the most appropriate action because it addresses the harmful purging behavior associated with bulimia nervosa. By encouraging the patient to avoid purging, the nurse can help prevent serious health consequences such as electrolyte imbalances and damage to the esophagus.

Option A is incorrect because assigning a strict dietary plan may exacerbate the patient's unhealthy relationship with food and contribute to feelings of guilt and shame. Option B is incorrect as monitoring for physical symptoms of starvation may not directly address the underlying issue of purging behavior. Option D is also incorrect as providing emotional support alone may not effectively address the harmful purging behavior.