Which of the following is a priority intervention for a patient with bulimia nervosa who has been purging?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assess and monitor the patient's electrolyte levels. This is the priority intervention because purging in bulimia nervosa can lead to electrolyte imbalances, which can be life-threatening. Monitoring electrolyte levels is crucial to prevent complications such as cardiac arrhythmias or organ damage.
A: Ensuring access to therapy and counseling is important but not the priority in this case where immediate medical attention is needed for potential electrolyte imbalances.
C: Encouraging a balanced diet is essential in the long term but not the immediate priority when dealing with the potential medical complications of purging.
D: Providing education about dangers is important, but it is not the most critical intervention at this moment compared to monitoring electrolyte levels.