Question

A nurse is admitting a client who has anorexia nervosa and is at 60% of ideal body weight. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

A) Encourage the client to drink 125 mL of fluid each hour while awake.
B) Allow the client to eat independently in their room.
C) Weigh the client twice-weekly.

Answer 1

For a client with anorexia nervosa at 60% of ideal body weight, the nurse should assess individual hydration needs, supervise meals to provide support, and weigh the client twice-weekly to monitor progress in a supportive environment.

Step-by-step explanation:

When admitting a client who has anorexia nervosa and is at 60% of ideal body weight, a nurse should prioritize interventions that focus on safe weight gain, monitoring health status, and facilitating healthy eating behaviors. The plan of care should include:

• Monitoring fluid intake to prevent dehydration, which is a common problem in patients with anorexia nervosa. However, encouraging exactly 125 mL of fluid each hour may not be suitable for all patients, as fluid needs can vary. Instead, the nurse should assess individual hydration needs and encourage adequate fluid intake.
• Supervised meals rather than allowing the client to eat independently in their room, which is to avoid the potential for secretly discarding food and to provide support during meal times.
• Regular weighing is essential to monitor the client's progress. Weighing the client twice-weekly is a good practice. It should be done in a consistent, controlled, and supportive environment to minimize stress and manipulation.

It is critical to approach care with sensitivity and attention to the complex psychological challenges inherent in treating eating disorders.