Age Specific Care Quiz Related

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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