Question

A nurse is teaching the guardians of a client about their adolescent child's diagnosis of bulimia nervosa. Which of the following statements made by the guardians indicates an understanding of their child's illness

a.""This disease will increase our child's risk for high blood pressure.""The nurse should teach the guardians that hypotension and cardiomyopathy are possible complications of bulimia nervosa.
b.""It is important for our child to have regular dental checkups.""MY ANSWERFor a client who has bulimia nervosa, repeated vomiting erodes tooth enamel and predisposes the teeth to caries. Thus, the nurse should teach the guardians that regular dental checkups are important for a client who has bulimia nervosa
c.""We need to weigh our child daily for several weeks, then once per week.""The nurse should teach the guardians that although it is important to monitor the client's weight, daily weighing can exacerbate the client's preoccupation with her weight.
d.""Bleeding during our child's periods will increase because of this disease.""The nurses should teach the guardians that clients who have bulimia nervosa are unlikely to experience menstrual changes, unless they lose excessive amounts of weight. Excessive weight loss can cause amenorrhea, or missed periods.

Answer 1

Guardians must understand the health risks associated with bulimia nervosa, such as dental damage and electrolyte imbalances, avoid daily weight monitoring that can exacerbate weight preoccupation, and focus on comprehensive treatment addressing the psychological and social factors contributing to the disorder.

Step-by-step explanation:

Understanding Bulimia Nervosa

When learning about their adolescent child's diagnosis of bulimia nervosa, it is important for guardians to understand the health implications and necessary care associated with this eating disorder. One key aspect is the importance of regular dental checkups due to the potential for tooth enamel erosion caused by frequent vomiting. Bulimia nervosa can also lead to serious health complications such as electrolyte imbalances, which may cause irregular heartbeat and possibly heart failure. While daily weight monitoring might seem helpful, it could actually reinforce the child's preoccupation with weight and therefore should be approached with caution and professional guidance.

Additionally, while some guardians may be concerned about an increased risk of high blood pressure or changes in menstrual bleeding, these are not typical complications of bulimia nervosa. Instead, the focus should be on the actual risks like kidney failure, potential rupture of the stomach or esophagus, and the strong association with mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.

Furthermore, understanding the underlying causes and addressing them through therapy and support is crucial. Factors such as genetics, social pressures, and cultural ideals about body image can contribute to the development of this disorder, necessitating a comprehensive treatment approach.