Varcarolis: Chapter 18 eating and feeding disorders, Ch 24 Varcarolis; Personality Disorders
1. A patient referred to the eating disorders clinic has lost 35 pounds in 3 months. For which physical manifestations of anorexia nervosa should a nurse assess? (Select all that apply.) a. Peripheral edema b. Parotid swelling c. Constipation d. Hypotension e. Dental caries f. Lanugo
A, C, D, F Peripheral edema is often present because of hypoalbuminemia. Constipation related to starvation is often present. Hypotension is often present because of dehydration. Lanugo is often present and is related to starvation. Parotid swelling is associated with bulimia. Dental caries are associated with bulimia. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand (Comprehension) REF: Pages 18-12, 13, 54 (Table 18-1), 58 (Table 18-3), 68 (Box 18-2) TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: Client Needs: Physiological Integrity
2. Which intervention is appropriate for an individual diagnosed with an antisocial personality disorder who frequently manipulates others? a. Refer requests and questions related to care to the case manager. b. Encourage the patient to discuss feelings of fear and inferiority. c. Provide negative reinforcement for acting-out behavior. d. Ignore, rather than confront, inappropriate behavior.
ANS: A Manipulative people frequently make requests of many different staff, hoping one will give in. Having one decision maker provides consistency and avoids the potential for playing one staff member against another. Positive reinforcement of appropriate behaviors is more effective than negative reinforcement. The behavior should not be ignored; judicious use of confrontation is necessary. Patients with antisocial personality disorders rarely have feelings of fear and inferiority.
15. A patient diagnosed with borderline personality disorder was hospitalized several times after self-mutilating episodes. The patient remains impulsive. Which nursing diagnosis is the initial focus of this therapy? a. Risk for self-directed violence b. Impaired skin integrity c. Risk for injury d. Powerlessness
ANS: A Risk for self-mutilation is a nursing diagnosis relating to patient safety needs and is therefore of high priority. Impaired skin integrity and powerlessness may be appropriate foci for care but are not the priority related to this therapy. Risk for injury implies accidental injury, which is not the case for the patient with borderline personality disorder.
14. A patient says, "I get in trouble sometimes because I make quick decisions and act on them." Select the nurse's most therapeutic response. a. "Let's consider the advantages of being able to stop and think before acting." b. "It sounds as though you've developed some insight into your situation." c. "I bet you have some interesting stories to share about overreacting." d. "It's good that you're showing readiness for behavioral change."
ANS: A The patient is showing openness to learning techniques for impulse control. One technique is to teach the patient to stop and think before acting impulsively. The patient can then be taught to evaluate outcomes of possible actions and choose an effective action. The incorrect responses shift the encounter to a social level or are judgmental.
9. What is the priority nursing diagnosis for a patient diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder who has made threats against staff, ripped art off the walls, and thrown objects? a. Risk for other-directed violence b. Risk for self directed violence c. Impaired social interaction d. Ineffective denial
ANS: A Violence against property, along with threats to harm staff, makes this diagnosis the priority. Patients with antisocial personality disorders have impaired social interactions, but the risk for harming others is a higher priority. They direct violence toward others; not self. When patients with antisocial personality disorders use denial, they use it effectively.
Characteristics the nurse will assess in the client diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder are A. deceitfulness, impulsiveness, and lack of empathy. B. perfectionism, preoccupation with detail, and verbosity. C. avoidance of interpersonal contact and preoccupation with being criticized. D. a need for others to assume responsibility for decision making and seeking nurture.
ANS: A Antisocial clients have no conscience. Their sense of right and wrong is impaired, and they tend to do whatever serves them best without consideration for the rights or feelings of others.
When providing care for a client diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, the nurse will need to consider strategies for dealing with the client's A. mood shifts, impulsivity, and splitting. B. grief, anger, and social isolation. C. altered sensory perceptions and suspicion. D. perfectionism and preoccupation with detail.
ANS: A Borderline personality disorder has the central characteristic of instability in affect, identity, and relationships. Borderline individuals desperately seek relationships to avoid feeling abandoned, but they often drive others away with excessive demands, impulsive behavior, or uncontrolled anger. Their frequent use of the defense of splitting strains personal relationships and creates turmoil in health care settings.
A client arrested for an assault in which he savagely beat a classmate states, "The guy deserved everything he got." The behaviors described are most consistent with the clinical picture of A. antisocial personality disorder. B. borderline personality disorder. C. schizotypal personality disorder. D. narcissistic personality disorder.
ANS: A Clients with antisocial personality act out feelings without consideration for the rights of others. They feel no remorse for their antisocial acts.
A nurse who is idealized by a client is at risk for A. becoming overinvolved and being protective and indulgent. B. becoming indecisive about planned interventions. C. developing a prejudicial, blaming orientation. D. stringent enforcement of boundaries and limits.
ANS: A Finding an approach for helping clients with personality disorders who have overwhelming needs can be challenging for caregivers. For example, a borderline female client may briefly idealize her male nurse on the inpatient unit, telling staff and clients alike that she is "the luckiest client because she has the best nurse in the hospital." The rest of the team initially realizes that this behavior is an exaggeration, and they have a neutral response. But after days of constant dramatic praise, some members of the team may start to feel inadequate and jealous of the nurse. They begin to make critical remarks about minor events to prove that the nurse is not perfect. Open communication in staff meetings and ongoing clinical supervision are important aspects of self-care for the nurse working with these clients to maintain objectivity.
A client diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder takes the nurse aside and mentions, "I've observed you interacting with that new patient. You are not approaching him properly. You should be more forceful with him." The best response for the nurse would be A. "I will be continuing to follow the care plan for the patient." B. "I see you are trying to control that patient's therapy as well as your own." C. "Your eye for perfection extends even to my nursing interventions." D. "That patient's care is really of no concern to you or to other clients."
ANS: A Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder has the key factor of perfectionism with a focus on orderliness and control. These individuals get so preoccupied with details and rules that they may not be able to accomplish the tasks. Guard against engaging in power struggles with a client with obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Which statement is a nurse most likely to hear from a patient diagnosed with anorexia nervosa? a. "I would be happy if I could lose 20 more pounds." b. "My parents don't pay much attention to me." c. "I'm thin for my height." d. "I have nice eyes."
ANS: A Patients with eating disorders have distorted body images and cognitive distortions. They see themselves as overweight even when their weight is subnormal. "I'm thin for my height" is therefore unlikely to be heard from a patient with anorexia nervosa. Poor self-image precludes making positive statements about self, such as "I have nice eyes." Many patients with eating disorders see supportive others as intrusive and out of tune with their needs.
An outpatient diagnosed with anorexia nervosa has begun re-feeding. Between the first and second appointments, the patient gained 8 pounds. The nurse should: a. assess lung sounds and extremities. b. suggest the use of an aerobic exercise program. c. positively reinforce the patient for the weight gain. d. establish a higher goal for weight gain the next week.
ANS: A Weight gain of more than 2 to 5 pounds weekly may overwhelm the heart's capacity to pump, leading to cardiac failure. The nurse must assess for signs of pulmonary edema and congestive heart failure. The incorrect options are undesirable because they increase the risk for cardiac complications.
12. What is the most challenging nursing intervention with patients diagnosed with personality disorders who use manipulation? a. Supporting behavioral change b. Maintaining consistent limits c. Monitoring suicide attempts d. Using aversive therapy
ANS: B Maintaining consistent limits is by far the most difficult intervention because of the patient's superior skills at manipulation. Supporting behavioral change and monitoring patient safety are less difficult tasks. Aversive therapy would probably not be part of the care plan because positive reinforcement strategies for acceptable behavior seem to be more effective than aversive techniques. See relationship to audience response question.
7. A patient diagnosed with borderline personality disorder has a history of self-mutilation and suicide attempts. The patient reveals feelings of depression and anger with life. Which type of medication would the nurse expect to be prescribed? a. Benzodiazepine b. Mood stabilizing medication c. Monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) d. Serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI)
ANS: B Mood stabilizing medications have been effective for many patients with borderline personality disorder. Serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI) or anxiolytics are not supported by data given in the scenario. MAOIs require great diligence in adherence to a restricted diet and are rarely used for patients who are impulsive.
Playing one staff member against another is an example of A. devaluation. B. splitting. C. impulsiveness. D. social ineptitude.
ANS: B Splitting involves setting up individuals or groups to disagree. While the two parties are busy disagreeing, they are too busy to maintain consistent limits for the manipulative client. The client can enjoy the spectacle and do as he or she pleases.
10. When a patient diagnosed with a personality disorder uses manipulation to get needs met, the staff applies limit-setting interventions. What is the correct rationale for this action? a. It provides an outlet for feelings of anger and frustration. b. It respects the patient's wishes, so assertiveness will develop. c. External controls are necessary due to failure of internal control. d. Anxiety is reduced when staff assumes responsibility for the patient's behavior.
ANS: C A lack of internal controls leads to manipulative behaviors such as lying, cheating, conning, and flattering. To protect the rights of others, external controls must be consistently maintained until the patient is able to behave appropriately.
6. A nurse reports to the treatment team that a patient diagnosed with an antisocial personality disorder has displayed the behaviors below. This patient is detached and superficial during counseling sessions. Which behavior by the patient most clearly warrants limit setting? a. Flattering the nurse b. Lying to other patients c. Verbal abuse of another patient d. Detached superficiality during counseling
ANS: C Limits must be set in areas in which the patient's behavior affects the rights of others. Limiting verbal abuse of another patient is a priority intervention and particularly relevant when interacting with a patient diagnosed with an antisocial personality disorder. The other concerns should be addressed during therapeutic encounters.
16. Which statement made by a patient diagnosed with borderline personality disorder indicates the treatment plan is effective? a. "I think you are the best nurse on the unit." b. "I'm never going to get high on drugs again." c. "I felt empty and wanted to hurt myself, so I called you." d. "I hate my mother. I called her today, and she wasn't home."
ANS: C Seeking a staff member instead of impulsively self-mutilating shows an adaptive coping strategy. The incorrect responses demonstrate idealization, devaluation, and wishful thinking.
13. The history shows that a newly admitted patient is impulsive. The nurse would expect behavior characterized by: a. adherence to a strict moral code. b. manipulative, controlling strategies. c. acting without thought on urges or desires. d. postponing gratification to an appropriate time.
ANS: C The impulsive individual acts in haste without taking time to consider the consequences of the action. None of the other options describes impulsivity.
3. As a nurse prepares to administer medication to a patient diagnosed with a borderline personality disorder, the patient says, "Just leave it on the table. I'll take it when I finish combing my hair." What is the nurse's best response? a. Reinforce this assertive action by the patient. Leave the medication on the table as requested. b. Respond to the patient, "I'm worried that you might not take it. I'll come back later." c. Say to the patient, "I must watch you take the medication. Please take it now." d. Ask the patient, "Why don't you want to take your medication now?"
ANS: C The individual with a borderline personality disorder characteristically demonstrates manipulative, splitting, and self-destructive behaviors. Consistent limit setting is vital for the patient's safety, but also to prevent splitting other staff. "Why" questions are not therapeutic. See relationship to audience response question.
11. One month ago, a patient diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and a history of self-mutilation began dialectical behavior therapy. Today the patient phones to say, "I feel empty and want to hurt myself." The nurse should: a. arrange for emergency inpatient hospitalization. b. send the patient to the crisis intervention unit for 8 to 12 hours. c. assist the patient to choose coping strategies for triggering situations. d. advise the patient to take an anti-anxiety medication to decrease the anxiety level.
ANS: C The patient has responded appropriately to the urge for self-harm by calling a helping individual. A component of dialectical behavior therapy is telephone access to the therapist for "coaching" during crises. The nurse can assist the patient to choose an alternative to self-mutilation. The need for a protective environment may not be necessary if the patient is able to use cognitive strategies to determine a coping strategy that will reduce the urge to mutilate. Taking a sedative and going to sleep should not be the first-line intervention because sedation may reduce the patient's ability to weigh alternatives to mutilating behavior.
4. What is an appropriate initial outcome for a patient diagnosed with a personality disorder who frequently manipulates others? The patient will: a. identify when feeling angry. b. use manipulation only to get legitimate needs met. c. acknowledge manipulative behavior when it is called to his or her attention. d. accept fulfillment of his or her requests within an hour rather than immediately.
ANS: C This is an early outcome that paves the way for later taking greater responsibility for controlling manipulative behavior. Identifying anger relates to anger and aggression control. Using manipulation to get legitimate needs is an inappropriate outcome. The patient would ideally use assertive behavior to promote need fulfillment. Accepting fulfillment of requests within an hour rather than immediately relates to impulsivity control.
The client diagnosed with a personality disorder who is most likely to be admitted to a psychiatric unit is one who has A. paranoid personality disorder and is suspicious of his neighbors. B. narcissistic personality disorder and is highly self-important. C. borderline personality disorder and is impulsive. D. dependent personality disorder and clings to her husband.
ANS: C Clients with borderline disorder can decompensate into psychotic states under stress. Hospitalization is needed at these times.
Clients demonstrating characacteristics of personality disorders have various self-defeating behaviors and interpersonal problems despite having near-normal ego functioning and intact reality testing. A nursing diagnosis that addresses this sort of interpersonal dysfunction is A. spiritual distress. B. defensive coping. C. impaired social interaction. D. disturbed sensory perception.
ANS: C For a client who has difficulty in relationships and is very manipulative, the nursing diagnosis of impaired social interaction would be used.
A nurse caring for a client who has been diagnosed with a personality disorder should expect that the client will exhibit A. frequent episodes of psychosis. B. constant involvement with the needs of significant others. C. inflexible and maladaptive responses to stress. D. abnormal ego functioning.
ANS: C Personality patterns persist unmodified over long periods of time. Inflexible and maladaptive responses to stress are characteristic of individuals with a personality disorder.
Splitting is a process in which the client A. unconsciously represses undesirable aspects of self. B. places responsibility for his or her behavior outside the self. C. sees things as divided into "all good" or "all bad." D. evidences lack of personal boundaries.
ANS: C Splitting demonstrates the failure to integrate the positive and negative into a cohesive whole. An individual is not seen as a person with good and bad traits, but rather as all good or all bad.
1. A health care provider recently convicted of Medicare fraud says to a nurse, "Sure I overbilled. Everyone takes advantage of the government. There are too many rules to follow and I should get the money." These statements show: a. shame. b. suspiciousness c. superficial remorse. d. lack of guilt feelings.
ANS: D Rationalization is being used to explain behavior and deny wrongdoing. The individual who does not believe he or she has done anything wrong will not manifest anxiety, remorse, or guilt about the act. The patient's remarks cannot be assessed as shameful. Lack of trust and concern that others are determined to do harm is not shown.
17. When preparing to interview a patient diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder, a nurse can anticipate the assessment findings will include: a. preoccupation with minute details; perfectionist. b. charm, drama, seductiveness; seeking admiration. c. difficulty being alone; indecisive, submissiveness. d. grandiosity, self-importance, and a sense of entitlement
ANS: D The characteristics of grandiosity, self-importance, and entitlement are consistent with narcissistic personality disorder. Charm, drama, seductiveness, and admiration seeking are seen in patients with histrionic personality disorder. Preoccupation with minute details and perfectionism are seen in individuals with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. Patients with dependent personality disorder often express difficulty being alone and are indecisive and submissive.
8. A patient's spouse filed charges after repeatedly being battered. The patient sarcastically says, "I'm sorry for what I did. I need psychiatric help." Which statement by the patient supports an antisocial personality disorder? a. "I have a quick temper, but I can usually keep it under control." b. "I've done some stupid things in my life, but I've learned a lesson." c. "I'm feeling terrible about the way my behavior has hurt my family." d. "I hit because I am tired of being nagged. My spouse deserves the beating."
ANS: D The patient with an antisocial personality disorder often impulsively acts out feelings of anger and feels no guilt or remorse. Patients with antisocial personality disorders rarely seem to learn from experience or feel true remorse. Problems with anger management and impulse control are common.
When a nurse finds a patient diagnosed with anorexia nervosa vigorously exercising before gaining the agreed-upon weekly weight, the nurse should state: a. "You and I will have to sit down and discuss this problem." b. "It bothers me to see you exercising. You'll lose more weight." c. "Let's discuss the relationship between exercise and weight loss and how that affects your body." d. "According to our agreement, no exercising is permitted until you have gained a specific amount of weight."
ANS: D A matter-of-fact statement that the nurse's perceptions are different helps avoid a power struggle. Treatment plans have specific goals for weight restoration. Exercise is limited to promote weight gain. Patients must be held accountable for required behaviors.
2. A patient diagnosed with anorexia nervosa is hospitalized for treatment. What features should the milieu provide? (Select all that apply.) a. Flexible mealtimes b. Unscheduled weight checks c. Adherence to a selected menu d. Observation during and after meals e. Monitoring during bathroom trips f. Privileges correlated with emotional expression
C, D, E Priority milieu interventions support restoration of weight and normalization of eating patterns. This requires close supervision of the patient's eating and prevention of exercise, purging, and other activities. There is strict adherence to menus. Observe patients during and after meals to prevent throwing away food or purging. Monitor all trips to the bathroom. Mealtimes are structured, not flexible. Weighing is performed on a regular schedule. Privileges are correlated with weight gain and treatment plan compliance. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application) REF: Pages 18-19 (Case Study and Nursing Care Plan), 71 (Box 18-5) TOP: Nursing Process: Planning MSC: Client Needs: Safe, Effective Care Environment
Which personality characteristic is a nurse most likely to assess in a patient diagnosed with anorexia nervosa?
Rigidity, perfectionism
A patient referred to the eating disorders clinic has lost 35 pounds during the past 3 months. To assess eating patterns, the nurse should ask the patient:
"What do you eat in a typical day?"
An outpatient diagnosed with anorexia nervosa has begun refeeding. Between the first and second appointments, the patient gained 8 pounds. The nurse should
assess lung sounds and extremities.
A nurse finds a patient diagnosed with anorexia nervosa vigorously exercising before gaining the agreed-upon weekly weight. Which response by the nurse is appropriate?
"According to our agreement, no exercising is permitted until you have gained a specific amount of weight."
A psychiatric clinical nurse specialist uses cognitive-behavioral therapy for a patient diagnosed with anorexia nervosa. Which statement by the staff nurse supports this type of therapy?
"Being thin doesn't seem to solve your problems. You are thin now but still unhappy."
A patient diagnosed with anorexia nervosa virtually stopped eating 5 months ago and 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?
"I am fat and ugly."
A patient was diagnosed with anorexia nervosa. The history shows the patient virtually stopped eating 5 months ago and lost 25% of body weight. The serum potassium is currently 2.7 mg/dL. Which nursing diagnosis applies?
Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements related to reduced oral intake as evidenced by loss of 25% of body weight and hypokalemia
One bed is available on the inpatient eating-disorder unit. Which patient should be admitted to this bed? The patient whose weight decreased from
150 to 100 pounds over a 4-month period. Vital signs are temperature, 35.9 C; pulse, 38 beats/min; blood pressure 60/40 mm Hg
27. A 7-year-old child was diagnosed with pica. Which assessment finding would the nurse expect associated with this diagnosis? a. The child frequently eats newspapers and magazines. b. The child refuses to eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. c. The child often rechews and reswallows foods at mealtimes. d. The parents feed the child clay because of concerns about anemia.
A Pica refers to eating nonfood items after maturing past toddlerhood. Some cultures practice eating nonfood items; however, this factor is a cultural preference rather than a disorder. Refusing to eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches is an example of a simple food preference in a child. Rumination refers to regurgitation with rechewing, reswallowing, or spitting. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand (Comprehension) REF: Pages 18-43, 44, 74 (Box 18-6) TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity MULTIPLE RESPONSE
Which is true of pharmacological therapies for treatment of personality disorders? A. Although there are no FDA-approved drugs specific to the treatment of personality disorders, patients benefit from specific off-label uses of antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, and antidepressants, depending on which personality disorder is evident. B. Research has shown that currently available psychotropic drugs have not been shown to be effective in treating personality disorders. C. Patients with narcissistic personality disorder and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder have shown the most benefit from the use of antianxiety medications along with use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. D. Patients with personality disorders have been shown to be resistant to accepting medication, and as a result most providers do not prescribe psychotropic drugs to these patients.
ANS: A At this time in the United States, there are no specifically FDA-approved medications for treating personality disorders. Prescribers are using the medications "off- label" until evidence-based pharmacotherapies are proven to be safe and effective. There is evidence that mood stabilizers, antidepressants, and atypical antipsychotics are helpful in specific personality disorders. Pharmacologic evidence is lacking for the treatment of persons with narcissistic and obsessive-compulsive personality disorders. Although patients with personality disorders usually do not like taking medicine unless it calms them down and are fearful about taking something over which they have no control, providers do attempt to mediate symptoms with psychotropic agents for improved quality of life.
Which statement is descriptive of clients with a personality disorder? A. They are resistant to behavioral change. B. They have an ability to tolerate frustration and pain. C. They usually seek help to change maladaptive behaviors. D. They have little difficulty forming satisfying and intimate relationships.
ANS: A Personality disorders are deeply ingrained and pervasive. Clients with personality disorders find it very difficult, if not nearly impossible, to change. Change proceeds very slowly.
A patient diagnosed with anorexia nervosa has a body mass index (BMI) of 14.8 kg/m2. Which assessment finding is most likely to accompany this value? a. Cachexia b. Leukocytosis c. Hyperthermia d. Hypertension
ANS: A The BMI value indicates extreme malnutrition. Cachexia is a hallmark of this problem. The patient would be expected to have leukopenia rather than leukocytosis. Hypothermia and hypotension are likely assessment findings.
The primary goal of milieu therapy for clients diagnosed with personality disorders is A. to manage the effect the behavior has on the entire group. B. to provide one-on-one therapy for each member of the milieu. C. to help the client remain uninvolved with other patients. D. to promote a laissez-faire attitude among the staff members.
ANS: A The primary goal of milieu therapy is affect management in a group context.
Belinda is a 24-year-old patient with borderline personality disorder (BPD). She is admitted to the inpatient psychiatric unit following a suicide attempt. You are caring for Belinda. Which of the following statements by Belinda illustrates a primary coping style of persons with BPD? A. "My provider says I might get out of here tomorrow. Do you think I'm ready to go?" B. "Last night the nurse let me go outside and smoke. I can't believe you aren't letting me. I used to think you were the best nurse here." C. "I will never again speak to any of my messed up family members. I know that this will help me be more functional." D. "I promise I am not feeling suicidal. I won't hurt myself."
ANS: B A primary coping style used by patients with BPD is called splitting. Splitting is the inability to incorporate positive and negative aspects of oneself or others into a whole image. The individual may tend to idealize another person (friend, lover, health care professional) at the start of a new relationship and hope that this person will meet all of his or her needs. At the first disappointment or frustration, however, the individual quickly shifts to devaluation, despising the other person. The other options do not describe splitting, which is a primary coping style of patients with BPD.
Research has indicated that the antisocial personality may be characterized by A. social isolation. B. lack of remorse. C. learning difficulties. D. difficulty with reality testing.
ANS: B Individuals with an antisocial personality exhibit a lack of remorse when confronted with the results of their thoughtless, irresponsible behavior toward others.
A newly admitted client has an axis II diagnosis of schizoid personality disorder. The nursing intervention of highest priority will be to A. set firm limits on behavior. B. respect need for social isolation. C. encourage expression of feelings. D. involve in milieu and group activities.
ANS: B Schizoid personality disorder has the primary feature of emotional detachment. Individuals do not seek out or enjoy close relationships. They are reclusive, avoidant, and uncooperative. They do not do well with resocialization.
5. Consider this comment to three different nurses by a patient diagnosed with an antisocial personality disorder, "Another nurse said you don't do your job right." Collectively, these interactions can be assessed as: a. seductive. b. detached c. manipulative. d. guilt-producing.
ANS: C Patients manipulate and control staff in various ways. By keeping staff off balance or fighting among themselves, the person with an antisocial personality disorder is left to operate as he or she pleases. Seductive behavior has sexual connotations. The patient is displaying the opposite of detached behavior. Guilt is not evident in the comments.
Characteristic behaviors the nurse will assess in the narcissistic client are A. dramatic expression of emotion, being easily led. B. perfectionism and preoccupation with detail. C. grandiose, exploitive, and rage-filled behavior. D. angry, highly suspicious, aloof, withdrawn behavior.
ANS: C Narcissistic clients give the impression of being invulnerable and superior to others to protect their fragile self-esteem.
The priority nursing intervention for a client diagnosed with borderline personality disorder is to A. protect other clients from manipulation. B. respect the client's need for social isolation. C. assess for suicidal and self-mutilating behaviors. D. provide clear, consistent limits and boundaries.
ANS: C One of the primary nursing guidelines/interventions for clients with a personality disorder is to assess for suicidal and self-mutilating behaviors, especially during times of stress.
Which diagnosis from the list below would be given priority for a client diagnosed with bulimia nervosa?
Risk for injury: electrolyte imbalance
Which behavior would be inconsistent with defining characteristics for the nursing diagnosis of ineffective coping? A. Difficulty in relationships B. High levels of anxiety C. Manipulation D. Interdependence
ANS: D The characteristics for the diagnosis of ineffective coping include crisis, high levels of anxiety, anger, and aggression; child, elder, or spouse abuse; and difficulty in relationships and manipulation. Interdependence would not be considered a symptom for ineffective coping.
Mary Alice is a 37-year-old patient referred to the mental health clinic with a suspected personality disorder. She is withdrawn and suspicious and states she has always preferred to be alone. She describes herself as having "special powers" and states that she is thinking of opening a business where she gives "readings" to people about their future. She states, "I believe we can all read each other's thoughts at times." Based on this presentation, you suspect: A. obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. B. narcissistic personality disorder. C. avoidant personality disorder. D. schizotypal personality disorder (STPD).
ANS: D The main traits that describe STPD are psychoticism such as eccentricity, odd or unusual beliefs and thought processes, and social detachment by preferring to be socially isolated, as well as being overly suspicious or anxious. In obsessive-compulsive personality disorder the main pathological personality traits are rigidity and inflexible standards of self and others, along with persistence of goals long after they are necessary, even if they are self-defeating or negatively affect relationships. People with narcissistic personality disorder come across as arrogant, with an inflated view of their self-importance. They have a need for constant admiration, along with a lack of empathy for others, a factor that strains most relationships over time. Traits of avoidant personality disorder include low self-esteem, feelings of inferiority compared with peers, and a reluctance to engage in unfamiliar activities involving new people.
Which nursing diagnosis is more applicable for a patient diagnosed with anorexia nervosa who restricts intake and is 20% below normal weight than for a 130-pound patient diagnosed with bulimia nervosa who purges? a. Powerlessness b. Ineffective coping c. Disturbed body image d. Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements
ANS: D The patient with bulimia nervosa usually maintains a close to normal weight, whereas the patient with anorexia nervosa may approach starvation. The incorrect options may be appropriate for patients with either anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa.
Which of the following are true of antisocial personality disorder (APD)? (select all that apply): A. It is the least studied of the personality disorders. B. It is characterized by rigidity and inflexible standards of self and others. C. Persons with APD display magical thinking. D. Persons with APD are concerned with personal pleasure and power. E. It is characterized by deceitfulness, disregard for others, and manipulation. F. Persons with APD usually present for treatment because of awareness of how their behavior is affecting others. G. Frontal lobe dysfunction is a brain change identified in APD.
ANS: D, E, G APD is the most studied and researched personality disorder. Rigidity and inflexible standards describe obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. Magical thinking describes schizotypal personality disorder. People with APD usually present with depression or because of the consequences of their behaviors, not because they care about the effects of their actions on others.
Patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD) exhibit negative effect, which includes emotional _____________, described as rapidly moving from one emotional extreme to another.
ANS: lability One of pathological personality traits seen in persons with BPD is negative effect, which is characterized by emotional lability, that is, rapidly shifting emotions from one extreme to another. Patients exhibiting this trait are often documented as being "labile."
Over the past year, a woman has cooked gourmet meals for her family but eats only tiny servings. This person wears layered loose clothing. Her current weight is 95 pounds, a loss of 35 pounds. Which medical diagnosis is most likely?
Anorexia nervosa
A 16 year old patient being treated for anorexia, has been prescribed medication to reduce compulsive behaviors regarding food now that ideal weight has been reached. Which class of medication is prescribed for this specific issue associated with eating disorders?
Antidepressants
Which nursing intervention has the highest priority for a patient diagnosed with bulimia nervosa?
Assist the patient to identify triggers to binge eating.
The nursing care plan for a patient diagnosed with anorexia nervosa includes the intervention "monitor for complications of refeeding." Which system should a nurse closely monitor for dysfunction?
Cardiovascular
Which coping mechanism is used excessively by clients diagnosed with bulimia nervosa to cope with their obsession with their body image?
Denial
A client diagnosed with bulimia nervosa uses enemas and laxatives to purge to maintain weight. What is the likely physiological outcomes of this practice?
Disruption of the fluid and electrolyte imbalance
Which anorexia nervosa symptom is physical in nature?
Dry, yellow skin
According to current theory, which statement regarding eating disorders is accurate?
Eating disorders are possibly influences by sociocultural factors
Which subjective symptom should the nurse expect to note during assessment of a client diagnosed with anorexia nervosa?
Fear of gaining weight
A client hospitalized with anorexia nervosa has a weight that is 65% of normal. For this client, what is a realistic short-term goal for the first week of hospitalization regarding the physical impact of his/her weight?
Gain a maximum of 3 lb.
A client reveals that she induces vomiting as often as a dozen times a day. The nurse would expect assessment finding to support which electrolyte imbalance?
Hypokalemia
Ali is a 17-year-old patient with bulimia coming to the outpatient mental health clinic for counseling. Which of the following statements by Ali indicates that an appropriate outcome for treatment has been met?
I am a hard worker and I am very compassionate toward others
A client on an inpatient unit has been diagnosed with bulimia nervosa. The client states' "I'm going to the bathroom and will be back in a few minutes." Which nursing response is most appropriate?
I will accompany you to the bathroom
A client who is 16 years old, 5 foot, 3 inches tall, and weighs 80 pounds eats one tiny meals daily and engages in a rigorous exercise program. Which nursing diagnosis addresses this assessment data?
Imbalance nutrition: less than body requirements
Which nursing diagnosis is more appropriate for a patient diagnosed with anorexia nervosa who restricts intake and is 20% below normal weight than for a 130-pound patient diagnosed with bulimia nervosa who purges?
Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements
A patient being admitted to the eating-disorder unit has a yellow cast to the skin and fine, downy hair over the trunk. The patient weighs 70 pounds; height is 5'4". The patient says, "I won't eat until I look thin." Select the priority initial nursing diagnosis.
Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements related to self-starvation
When educating a client diagnosed with bulimia nervosa about the medication fluoxetine, the nurse should include what information about this medication?
It will be prescribed at a higher than typical dose.
As a patient admitted to the eating-disorder unit undresses, a nurse observes that the patient's body is covered by fine, downy hair. The patient weighs 70 pounds and is 5'4" tall. Which term should be documented?
Lanugo
A nurse sitting with a client diagnosed with anorexia nervosa notices that the client has eaten 80% of lunch. The client asks the nurse "What do you like better, hamburgers or spaghetti?" Which is the best response by the nurse?
Let's focus on your continued improvement. You ate 80% of your lunch
the client experiencing bulimia differs from the client diagnosed with anorexia nervosa by exhibiting which characteristic?
Maintaining normal weight
Which nursing intervention has the highest priority as a patient diagnosed with anorexia nervosa begins to gain weight?
Observe for adverse effects of refeeding.
A clterm-0ient diagnosed with an eating disorder has a nursing diagnosis of low self-esteem. Which nursing intervention would address this client's problem?
Offer independent decision making opportunities
Disturbed body image is a nursing diagnosis established for a patient diagnosed with an eating disorder. Which outcome indicator is most appropriate to monitor?
Patient expresses satisfaction with body appearance
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?
Patient involvement in decision making increases sense of control and promotes adherence to the plan of care.
Which statement is true of the eating disorder referred to as bulimia?
Patients with bulimia often appear at a normal weight.
Biological theorists suggest that the cause of eating disorders may be related to which factors?
Serotonin imbalance
Which assessment finding for a patient diagnosed with an eating disorder meets criteria for hospitalization?
Systolic blood pressure 62 mm Hg
Which outcome indicates that the client's problem of impaired body image has improved?
The client has acknowledged that perception of being fat is incorrect
A nurse provides care for an adolescent patient diagnosed with an eating disorder. Which behavior by this nurse indicates that additional clinical supervision is needed?
The nurse interacts with the patient in a protective fashion.
The treatment team discusses adding a new prescription for lisdexamfetamine dimesylate to the plan of care for a patient diagnosed with binge eating disorder. Which finding from the nursing assessment is most important for the nurse to share with the team?
The patient's history of poly-substance abuse
A client with a long history of bulimia nervosa is seen in the emergency department. The client is seeing things that others do not, is restless, and has dry mucous membranes. Which is most likely the cause of this client's symptoms?
Vomiting, which may lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance
Which intervention would be least useful for accurate assessment of the weight of a client diagnosed with anorexia nervosa?
Weigh fully clothed before breakfast
After stabilization of symptoms, what is the primary focus of treatment for a client diagnosed with anorexia nervosa?
Weight restoration
The nurse can determine that inpatient treatment for a client diagnosed with an eating disorder would be warranted when the client a. weighs 10% below ideal body weight. b. has a serum potassium level of 3 mEq/L or greater. c. has a heart rate less than 60 beats/min. d. has systolic blood pressure less than 70 mm Hg.
d. has systolic blood pressure less than 70 mm Hg.
The nurse working with clients diagnosed with eating disorders can help families develop effective coping mechanisms by implementing which intervention?
teaching the family about the disorder and the client's behaviors
Outpatient treatment is planned for a patient diagnosed with anorexia nervosa. Select the most important desired outcome related to the nursing diagnosis Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements. Within 1 week, the patient will
gain 1 to 2 pounds.
A 5-year-old child was diagnosed with encopresis. Which assessment finding would the nurse expect associated with this diagnosis? The child:
has accidents of defecation at kindergarten three times a week.
A nurse provides health teaching for a patient diagnosed with bulimia nervosa. Priority information the nurse should provide relates to
how to recognize hypokalemia.
A nursing diagnosis for a patient diagnosed with bulimia nervosa is Ineffective coping related to feelings of loneliness as evidenced by overeating to comfort self, followed by self-induced vomiting. The best outcome related to this diagnosis is that within 2 weeks the patient will
identify two alternative methods of coping with loneliness.
Assessment of a client suspected of experiencing bulimia nervosa calls the nurse to perform...
inspection of the oral cavity
An appropriate intervention for a patient diagnosed with bulimia nervosa who binges, and purges is to teach the patient
not to skip meals or restrict food.
Three months ago, a patient diagnosed with binge eating disorder weighed 198 pounds. Lorcaserin (Belviq) was prescribed. Which current assessment finding indicates the need for reevaluation of this treatment approach? The patient:
now weighs 196 pounds.
Physical assessment of a patient diagnosed with bulimia often reveals
prominent parotid glands.
A nurse conducting group therapy on the eating-disorder unit schedules the sessions immediately after meals for the primary purpose of
promoting processing of anxiety associated with eating.
