Substance Abuse, Eating Disorders, Impulse Control Disorders no. 5017

Substance Abuse, Eating Disorders, Impulse Control Disorders no. 5017

QUESTION: A client is admitted to the psychiatric unit with a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa. Although she is 5<font face="LWWSYM">X</font> 8" (1.7 m) tall and weighs only 103 lb (46.7 kg), she talks incessantly about how fat she is. Which measure should the nurse take first when caring for this client?

✘O a.) Teach the client about nutrition, calories, and a balanced diet.
✓O b.) Establish a trusting relationship with the client.
✘O c.) Discuss cultural stereotypes regarding thinness and attractiveness.
✘O d.) Explore the reasons why the client doesn't eat.

RATIONALE

RATIONALE: A client with an eating disorder may be secretive and unwilling to admit that a problem exists. Therefore, the nurse first must establish a trusting relationship to elicit the client's feelings and thoughts. The anorexic client may spend long hours discussing nutrition or handling and preparing food in an effort to stall or avoid eating food; the nurse shouldn't reinforce her preoccupation with food, as in option 1. Although cultural stereotypes may play a prominent role in anorexia nervosa, discussing these factors isn't the first action the nurse should take. Exploring the reasons why the client doesn't eat would increase her emotional investment in food and eating.
NURSING PROCESS STEP: Planning
CLIENT NEEDS CATEGORY: Psychosocial integrity
CLIENT NEEDS SUBCATEGORY: None
COGNITIVE LEVEL: Analysis