Nurse Tony is developing a plan of care for a client with anorexia nervosa. Which action should the nurse include in the plan?
- A. Restrict visits with the family until the client begins to eat
- B. Provide privacy during meals
- C. Set up a strict eating plan for the client
- D. Encourage the client to exercise, which will reduce her anxiety
Answer C.
Establishing a consistent eating plan and monitoring the client’s weight are important for this disorder. The family should be included in the client’s care. The client should be monitored during meals — not given privacy. Exercise must be limited and supervised.The correct answer is B. Provide privacy during meals.
Here's a breakdown of why this is the most appropriate action:
- Privacy: People with anorexia often feel self-conscious about their eating habits and may be more likely to eat if they feel they have privacy.
- Restricting visits: This can be harmful as it can isolate the client and worsen their mental state. Family support is often crucial in recovery.
- Strict eating plan: While a structured meal plan can be helpful, it's important to approach it collaboratively with the client to avoid triggering negative emotions or behaviors.
- Exercise: While exercise can be beneficial for overall health, it's important to avoid excessive exercise, as it can contribute to the disordered eating patterns in anorexia.
Providing privacy during meals is a compassionate and effective strategy that can encourage the client to eat and make progress in their recovery.
Nursing Care for Anorexia Nervosa:
Understanding Anorexia Nervosa:
- A Complex Disorder: Anorexia nervosa is a complex eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight, leading to restricted eating and unhealthy weight loss.
- Psychological Factors: The disorder often involves distorted body image, low self-esteem, and perfectionism.
- Physical Consequences: Anorexia can have severe physical consequences, including malnutrition, organ damage, and even death.
Developing a Comprehensive Care Plan:
- Collaborative Approach: A comprehensive care plan for anorexia nervosa should involve a multidisciplinary team, including a psychiatrist, psychologist, dietitian, and nurse.
- Individualized Goals: The plan should be tailored to the client's specific needs and goals, taking into account their physical and psychological state.
- Gradual Weight Gain: A gradual approach to weight gain is often recommended to avoid refeeding syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition.
Key Nursing Interventions:
- Therapeutic Relationship: Building a trusting and supportive relationship with the client is essential for effective care.
- Monitoring Vital Signs: Close monitoring of vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, and weight, is crucial to detect any complications.
- Nutritional Support: A dietitian can help develop a balanced and nutritious meal plan that meets the client's caloric needs.
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy: CBT can help clients identify and challenge negative thoughts and behaviors related to their eating disorder.
- Family Therapy: Involving the family in the treatment process can be beneficial, as they can provide support and encouragement.
- Medication Management: In some cases, medication may be prescribed to address underlying psychiatric conditions, such as depression or anxiety.
Overcoming Challenges:
- Resistance to Treatment: Clients with anorexia may resist treatment or engage in behaviors to sabotage their recovery.
- Body Image Issues: Addressing distorted body image and improving self-esteem is a key component of treatment.
- Relapse Prevention: Developing relapse prevention strategies is important to help clients maintain progress and avoid returning to unhealthy eating patterns.
By providing a comprehensive and supportive care plan, nurses can play a vital role in helping clients with anorexia nervosa overcome their disorder and achieve a healthy recovery.
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Psychosocial Integrity