30 Questions
What assessment tool is often used in studies of anorexia and bulimia?
Eating Attitudes Test
How is the Eating Attitudes Test scored?
Endorsements are assigned 3 points, adjacent alternatives 2 points and 1 point, respectively
What total score of the Eating Attitudes Test indicates significant concerns with eating behavior?
Over 30
What is the purpose of the Eating Attitudes Test at the end of treatment?
To evaluate outcomes
What does the Eating Attitudes Test assess?
Eating behavior
What is the confidentiality status of the results of the Eating Attitudes Test?
Strictly confidential
How often are clients weighed in treatment programs for eating disorders?
Once daily, usually upon awakening and after emptying the bladder, wearing minimal clothing
What is a common nursing intervention for clients with bulimia?
Establishing normal eating patterns and interrupting the binge-and-purge cycle
What is a recommended strategy for clients dealing with body image issues and identifying emotions?
Self-monitoring using a journal, relaxation techniques, and distraction
How are clients encouraged to eat meals in treatment programs?
At a table in a designated eating area and following a nutritious eating plan
What is a common difficulty for clients with anorexia, and how can nurses help?
Difficulty identifying and expressing feelings; nurses can help them recognize emotions
What is a common restriction in treatment programs to discourage vomiting for clients with bulimia?
Limiting client access to bathrooms without supervision
Which eating disorder is characterized by clients being ashamed of their binge eating and purging behaviors?
Bulimia
What is a common characteristic of severely malnourished anorexic clients?
Confusion and difficulty with concentration
What is a key nursing diagnosis for clients with eating disorders?
Imbalanced nutrition
What is a common belief of severely underweight clients with anorexia?
They are overweight
What is a crucial step before psychiatric treatment for severely malnourished clients with eating disorders?
Parenteral fluids
What is a key recommendation for supporting bulimic clients in non-food-related coping skills?
Encouraging verbal expression of feelings while avoiding food-related feelings during mealtimes
What is a common outcome expected for clients with eating disorders?
Demonstrating coping mechanisms not related to food
What should be done if a client with an eating disorder has a history of sexual abuse?
Ask the client about thoughts of self-harm or suicide
What is a recommended approach to promoting the client's attempts to deal openly and honestly with anxiety and other feelings?
Help the client identify non-food-related ways to express and deal with feelings
What is important to discuss with the client in terms of body weight and diet?
Encourage the client to accept a less than 'ideal' body weight and incorporate fattening foods into the diet
What is a potential referral for a bulimic client if indicated?
Refer the client to assertiveness training
What is a common preoccupation for clients with eating disorders?
Preoccupation with thoughts of dieting, food, and food-related behavior
Which eating disorder is often associated with clients who are achievement-oriented and eager to please?
Anorexia nervosa
What impulsive behaviors may be associated with clients with bulimia?
Substance abuse and shoplifting
How do clients with anorexia nervosa and bulimia differ in terms of body weight?
Anorexia clients may appear slow and emaciated, while bulimia clients may be underweight or overweight but generally close to expected body weight for age and size.
How do clients with eating disorders typically experience mood changes related to their eating behaviors?
Avoiding 'bad' foods gives them a sense of control, while binging or purging leads to anxiety and depression.
What is a common nursing diagnosis for bulimia?
Ineffective coping, self-destructive behavior, suicidal thoughts
What is an important nursing care plan goal for bulimia clients?
To be free from self-inflicted harm, identify non-food-related methods of dealing with stress, and verbalize feelings of guilt, anxiety, or excessive need for control
Study Notes
Understanding Eating Disorders and Nursing Care
- Anorexia nervosa clients are often described as perfectionists with above-average intelligence, achievement-oriented, and eager to please, while bulimia clients are focused on pleasing others and avoiding conflict.
- Clients with bulimia may have a history of impulsive behavior such as substance abuse, shoplifting, anxiety, depression, and personality disorders.
- Clients with anorexia may appear slow, lethargic, and emaciated, while clients with bulimia may be underweight or overweight but generally close to expected body weight for age and size.
- Clients with eating disorders have labile moods that correspond to their eating behaviors, with avoiding "bad" foods giving them a sense of control, while binging or purging leads to anxiety and depression.
- Clients with anorexia often appear somber and serious, while clients with bulimia may initially seem pleasant and cheerful but express intense guilt and shame when describing binge eating and purging.
- Nursing diagnosis for bulimia includes ineffective coping, self-destructive behavior, suicidal thoughts, poor impulse control, and preoccupation with weight, food, or diets.
- The nursing care plan for bulimia includes goals for the client to be free from self-inflicted harm, identify non-food-related methods of dealing with stress, and verbalize feelings of guilt, anxiety, or excessive need for control.
- Immediate stabilization goals for bulimia clients include demonstrating more satisfying interpersonal relationships, eliminating shoplifting or stealing behaviors, and verbalizing understanding of the disease process and safe use of medications.
- Community goals for bulimia clients include verbalizing a more realistic body image, following through with discharge planning, and verbalizing increased self-esteem and self-confidence.
- Nursing interventions for bulimia clients include directly addressing thoughts of suicide or self-harm, setting limits with the client about eating habits, encouraging the client to eat with others, and using a diary to explore feelings and behaviors related to binge or purge urges.
- Setting limits with the client about eating habits can discourage binge behavior and help the client return to normal eating patterns.
- Encouraging the client to express feelings, use a diary, and eat with others can help decrease anxiety, guilt, and the urge to engage in purging behaviors.
Test your knowledge of nursing care for clients with eating disorders in this quiz. Learn about the differences between anorexia nervosa and bulimia, nursing diagnoses, care plans, and interventions specific to bulimia clients. Gain a deeper understanding of immediate stabilization and community goals, as well as strategies for supporting clients in managing their eating behaviors and emotions.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
