NCLEX eating disorders nursing care study guide
A comprehensive study guide for NCLEX nursing care related to eating disorders, covering assessment, interventions, and patient safety.
Quiz(56 questions)
1. What is a primary diagnostic criterion for Anorexia Nervosa?
Terms in this Study Set(56)
Assessment and Diagnosis(16)
Anorexia Nervosa: Key assessment criteria?
Extreme weight loss, intense fear of gaining weight, distorted body image.
Bulimia Nervosa: Diagnostic criteria?
Recurrent binge eating episodes, inappropriate compensatory behaviors, self-evaluation influenced by body shape.
True or False: Anorexia is only about food.
False. It involves psychological factors, including control and perfectionism.
Identify the disorder: Frequent vomiting after eating.
Bulimia Nervosa.
Assessment tool for eating disorders?
Eating Disorder Examination (EDE) - structured interview and questionnaire.
Fill in the blank: Patients with anorexia often have a BMI below ____.
17.5.
Similarities between Anorexia and Bulimia?
Both involve distorted body image and are often linked to anxiety.
Common physical sign of Anorexia?
Lanugo (fine hair growth) on the body.
Key indicator of binge eating disorder?
Eating large amounts of food in a short period, associated with lack of control.
True or False: Binge eating disorder leads to purging.
False. It does not involve regular compensatory behaviors.
Signs of dehydration in eating disorders?
- Dry skin - Dizziness - Rapid heart rate
Diagnostic tool for Bulimia?
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
Anorexia vs. Bulimia: Weight status.
Anorexia: Underweight; Bulimia: Normal or overweight.
Physical complication of Anorexia?
Hypokalemia (low potassium levels) can lead to cardiac issues.
Assessment finding: Patient has bradycardia. What disorder?
Common in Anorexia Nervosa due to malnutrition.
Key psychological feature of eating disorders?
Low self-esteem and body dissatisfaction.
Nursing Interventions(20)
Nursing intervention for refeeding syndrome?
Monitor electrolytes, especially potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium; administer supplements as needed.
True or False: Encourage patients to eat alone.
False. Encourage group meals to promote social interaction and reduce anxiety.
Main goal of meal planning?
Ensure nutritional needs are met while addressing the patient's preferences.
What should be monitored during meals?
Patient’s behavior, food intake, and any signs of anxiety or distress.
Fill in the blank: Use _________ for patients exhibiting purging behaviors.
positive reinforcement to encourage healthier coping mechanisms.
Compare: anorexia vs bulimia.
Anorexia: severe food restriction. Bulimia: cycles of binge eating followed by purging.
Effective communication technique?
Use open-ended questions to encourage expression of feelings and concerns.
What is a priority when a patient refuses to eat?
Assess the reasons for refusal; provide support and education.
True or False: Weight gain is the only goal in treatment.
False. Goals include improving self-esteem and coping strategies.
Nursing intervention for a patient with body image issues?
Encourage dialogue about their body image and provide positive feedback.
Which tool can be used for assessing eating disorder severity?
Eating Disorder Examination (EDE) or Eating Attitudes Test (EAT).
Describe the importance of setting boundaries.
Helps maintain a therapeutic environment and prevents manipulation.
What should be included in a discharge plan?
Follow-up appointments, nutritional counseling, and support group resources.
Nursing action for patients during therapy sessions?
Facilitate a safe space for expression and actively listen to concerns.
Cause of electrolyte imbalances in eating disorders?
Malnutrition and purging behaviors lead to deficiencies.
How to support a patient experiencing anxiety during meals?
Provide calming techniques such as deep breathing exercises.
What to teach about food diaries?
Help patients track intake and identify patterns or triggers.
Nursing intervention for weight restoration?
Implement a structured meal plan with gradual caloric increases.
What role does family play in treatment?
Involve family in therapy sessions for support and education.
True or False: Denial is common in eating disorders.
True. Patients often do not recognize the severity of their condition.
Patient Safety and Monitoring(12)
What vital signs should be monitored in eating disorder patients?
Heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, and weight. Regular monitoring helps assess stability.
True or False: Patients with anorexia should never be allowed to exercise.
False. Exercise may be permitted in some cases, but must be closely monitored.
Fill in the blank: The minimum acceptable heart rate for eating disorder patients is _____ bpm.
60 bpm. Bradycardia may indicate severe malnutrition.
What are common physical complications of eating disorders?
Electrolyte imbalances, cardiac arrhythmias, hypotension, and kidney dysfunction.
Cause → Effect: Dehydration in eating disorder patients leads to _____
Kidney failure or electrolyte imbalances.
Compare: Anorexia vs Bulimia in vital sign monitoring.
Anorexia: Focus on low heart rate. Bulimia: Watch for electrolyte disturbances.
What is refeeding syndrome?
A dangerous condition occurring when feeding resumes after starvation, leading to electrolyte shifts.
How often should vital signs be checked in an acute care setting?
Every 4 hours. More frequently if the patient is unstable.
True or False: Weight gain is the only indicator of improvement.
False. Psychological and behavioral improvements are equally important indicators.
What should be included in a daily monitoring chart?
Weight, vital signs, intake/output, and mental status changes.
What is the importance of monitoring electrolyte levels?
To prevent complications like cardiac arrest and neurological issues.
List two signs of hypokalemia.
Muscle weakness, arrhythmias. Monitor potassium levels closely in bulimia patients.
Psychosocial Considerations(8)
True or False: Eating disorders only affect females.
False. Eating disorders can affect individuals of any gender.
Explain the role of family therapy.
Family therapy helps address interpersonal issues, improves communication, and supports recovery.
Which cognitive distortion is common in eating disorders?
All-or-nothing thinking. Patients see situations in black and white, impacting their self-image.
Identify one psychological risk factor for eating disorders.
- Perfectionism - Low self-esteem - Trauma history
Fill in the blank: Anorexia nervosa is characterized by __________.
Extreme restriction of food intake leading to significant weight loss.
Compare bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder.
Bulimia involves purging behaviors; binge eating does not.
What supportive strategy can nurses provide?
Active listening and validation of feelings, fostering a safe environment.
Cause → Effect: Negative body image leads to __________.
Development or worsening of eating disorders.
Questions in this Study Set(56)
1. What is a primary diagnostic criterion for Anorexia Nervosa?
2. What psychological risk factor is often associated with anorexia nervosa?
3. What is a primary nursing intervention for a patient exhibiting signs of refeeding syndrome?
4. Which vital sign is most critical to monitor in a patient with severe anorexia?
5. In diagnosing Bulimia Nervosa, which behavior is essential to identify?
6. Which cognitive distortion involves seeing situations in black and white, often seen in individuals with eating disorders?
7. True or False: Encouraging patients with eating disorders to eat alone can help them focus on their food intake.
8. True or False: Patients recovering from bulimia can safely regain weight without monitoring other symptoms.
9. True or False: Anorexia Nervosa involves only dietary restrictions.
10. Which of the following is NOT a common behavioral sign of bulimia nervosa?
11. What is the main goal of meal planning for patients with eating disorders?
12. Fill in the blank: The minimum acceptable blood pressure for patients with eating disorders is _____ mmHg.
13. Identify the disorder: A patient frequently engages in self-induced vomiting after meals.
14. Fill in the blank: The primary goal of family therapy in the treatment of eating disorders is to __________.
15. During meals, what should be monitored closely?
16. What is a common cause of electrolyte imbalances in eating disorder patients?
17. Which assessment tool is commonly used for evaluating eating disorders?
18. Cause → Effect: A history of trauma can lead to __________ in vulnerable individuals.
19. Fill in the blank: Use _________ for patients exhibiting purging behaviors.
20. Which one of the following is NOT a typical sign of dehydration in eating disorder patients?
21. Fill in the blank: Patients with Anorexia Nervosa often have a BMI below _____.
22. In comparing binge eating disorder and bulimia nervosa, what distinguishes these two conditions?
23. Which of the following differentiates anorexia from bulimia?
24. Compare the heart rate monitoring of anorexia vs. bulimia: which statement is correct?
25. What is a common psychological similarity between Anorexia and Bulimia?
26. Which approach is considered supportive when caring for a patient with an eating disorder?
27. What is an effective communication technique to use with patients with eating disorders?
28. What should be monitored closely during the refeeding process?
29. Which physical sign is often seen in patients with Anorexia Nervosa?
30. True or False: Negative body image can contribute to the development of eating disorders.
31. What should be the priority when a patient with an eating disorder refuses to eat?
32. How often should nurses assess vital signs for a stable patient with an eating disorder in an inpatient setting?
33. What key indicator is associated with Binge Eating Disorder?
34. True or False: The only goal of treatment for eating disorders is weight gain.
35. True or False: Tracking a patient’s mental status is irrelevant to their physical recovery in eating disorders.
36. True or False: Binge Eating Disorder always includes purging behaviors.
37. What nursing intervention is appropriate for a patient struggling with body image issues?
38. What is the primary indicator of improvement for a patient with an eating disorder?
39. Which symptom may indicate dehydration in individuals with eating disorders?
40. Which tool can be used to assess the severity of eating disorders?
41. List two signs of hyperkalemia in eating disorder patients.
42. What diagnostic manual is used for diagnosing Bulimia Nervosa?
43. What is the importance of setting boundaries with patients?
44. Which lab value should be monitored to assess renal function in eating disorder patients?
45. How do weight statuses differ between Anorexia and Bulimia Nervosa?
46. What should be included in a patient's discharge plan?
47. What is a potential physical complication of Anorexia Nervosa?
48. What nursing action is appropriate during therapy sessions for patients with eating disorders?
49. If a patient presents with bradycardia, which disorder might they be experiencing?
50. What commonly causes electrolyte imbalances in patients with eating disorders?
51. What is a key psychological feature of eating disorders?
52. How can a nurse support a patient experiencing anxiety during meals?
53. What is an important teaching point regarding the use of food diaries for patients?
54. What is a key nursing intervention for weight restoration in patients with eating disorders?
55. What role does family involvement play in the treatment of eating disorders?
56. True or False: Denial is a common characteristic in patients with eating disorders.
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