Practice Question
A young adult client is admitted to a psychiatric facility with a diagnosis of bulimia nervosa. Which nursing intervention has the highest priority?
Answer Choices:
Correct Answer:
Assess and report the client's electrolyte status to the healthcare provider.
Rationale:
🟣 Bulimia nervosa often results in electrolyte imbalances from purging behaviors (e.g., vomiting, diuretic use).
🟣 Hypokalemia and hyponatremia can lead to cardiac dysrhythmias and seizures.
🟣 This physiological risk takes priority over behavioral issues in initial care.
🟣 Reporting lab values allows for timely medical intervention and stabilization.
🟣 Ongoing care will include therapy, but medical stability comes first.
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This question is from RN HESI Mental Health with NGN Exam which contains 51 questions.
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Question Details
- Category: RN Nursing Exam(s)
- Subcategory: HESI Exam(s)
- Domain: RN Hesi Mental Health
- Answer Choices: 4