Nokea
Therapeutic nutrition begins for a patient with anorexia nervosa who is 70% of ideal body weight. Which nursing intervention is most important to add to the plan of care?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Observe for adverse effects associated with refeeding. This is important because refeeding syndrome can occur when a severely malnourished individual is reintroduced to nutrition too quickly, leading to potentially life-threatening electrolyte imbalances. Monitoring for signs such as fluid retention, electrolyte abnormalities, and changes in vital signs is crucial in preventing these complications.
Choice A: Communicating empathy is important in building trust and rapport with the patient, but it is not the most critical intervention in this scenario.
Choice C: Teaching the patient about the psychological origins of the disorder is important for long-term treatment, but it is not the most immediate concern when starting therapeutic nutrition.
Choice D: Directing the patient to balance energy expenditure and caloric intake is important for overall health, but it is not the priority when the patient is severely malnourished and at risk for refeeding syndrome.