Mental Health CH 14 Review Summer 2025 Varcarolis 5th ed

Front

A woman has cooked gourmet meals for her family but eats only tiny servings, wears layered, loose clothing, has amenorrhea, and weighs 95 pounds after a loss of 35 pounds. What is the most likely medical diagnosis?

Back

Anorexia nervosa

Answer explanation

The woman's significant weight loss, amenorrhea, and restrictive eating habits indicate anorexia nervosa, characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image, rather than binge-eating or bulimia.

Front

Disturbed body image is the nursing diagnosis for a patient diagnosed with an eating disorder. Which outcome indicator is most appropriate to monitor?

Back

The patient expresses satisfaction with body appearance.

Answer explanation

The correct outcome indicator is that the patient expresses satisfaction with body appearance, as it directly addresses the disturbed body image aspect of the nursing diagnosis, focusing on the patient's perception and feelings.

Front

A patient who was referred to the eating disorders clinic has lost 35 pounds in the past 3 months. To assess the patient’s oral intake, the nurse should ask which assessment question?

Back

What do you eat in a typical day?

Answer explanation

The question 'What do you eat in a typical day?' directly assesses the patient's oral intake, providing insight into their eating habits and potential disordered eating patterns, making it the most relevant choice.

Front

A patient diagnosed with anorexia nervosa virtually stopped eating 5 months ago and has lost 25% of body weight. A nurse asks, “Describe what you think about your present weight and how you look.” Which response by the patient is most consistent with the diagnosis?

Back

“I am fat and ugly.”

Answer explanation

Choice A reflects the distorted body image typical in anorexia nervosa, where patients often perceive themselves as overweight despite being underweight. This aligns with the patient's condition and mindset.

Front

A patient was diagnosed with anorexia nervosa. The history shows the patient virtually stopped eating 5 months ago and has lost 25% of body weight. The patient’s current serum potassium is 2.7 mg/dL. Which nursing diagnosis is most applicable?

Back

Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements, related to malnutrition as evidenced by loss of 25% of body weight and hypokalemia.

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements' due to the patient's significant weight loss (25%) and hypokalemia, indicating severe malnutrition from inadequate caloric intake.

Front

Outpatient treatment is planned for a patient diagnosed with anorexia nervosa. Select the most important outcome related to the nursing diagnosis: imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements. Within 1 week, the expectation is that the patient will demonstrate what?

Back

Weigh self accurately using balanced scales.

Answer explanation

The most important outcome for imbalanced nutrition is for the patient to weigh themselves accurately. This indicates awareness of their weight, which is crucial for monitoring progress in anorexia nervosa treatment.

Front

Which nursing intervention has priority as a patient diagnosed with anorexia nervosa begins to gain weight? Options: Assess for depression and anxiety., Communicate empathy for the patient’s feelings., Help the patient balance energy expenditure and caloric intake.

Back

Observe for adverse effects of refeeding.

Answer explanation

Observing for adverse effects of refeeding is crucial as patients with anorexia nervosa are at risk for refeeding syndrome, which can lead to serious complications. This intervention takes priority during weight gain.

Front

A patient diagnosed with anorexia nervosa is resistant to weight gain. What is the rationale for establishing a contract with the patient to participate in measures designed to produce a specified weekly weight gain?

Back

Patient involvement in decision making increases a sense of control and promotes compliance with the treatment.

Answer explanation

Patient involvement in decision making increases a sense of control, which is crucial for those with anorexia nervosa. This approach promotes compliance with treatment and helps address their resistance to weight gain.

Front

The nursing care plan for a patient diagnosed with anorexia nervosa includes the intervention “Monitor for complications of refeeding.” Which body system should a nurse closely monitor for dysfunction?

Back

Cardiac

Answer explanation

The correct choice is Cardiac. Refeeding syndrome can lead to electrolyte imbalances, particularly hypophosphatemia, which can cause serious cardiac complications such as arrhythmias and heart failure.

Front

Which is an appropriate outcome for a patient diagnosed with anorexia nervosa who is an outpatient?

Back

Gain ½ to ¾ pound.

Answer explanation

The appropriate outcome for an outpatient with anorexia nervosa is to gain ½ to ¾ pound, as this indicates a positive step towards recovery and weight restoration, which is crucial in managing the disorder.