Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

What is an inappropriate coping mechanism often seen in patients with bulimia nervosa?

1. Healthy eating

2. Therapeutic conversations

3. Bingeing and purging

4. Mindfulness practices

The correct answer is: Bingeing and purging

In the context of bulimia nervosa, bingeing and purging represent a maladaptive or inappropriate coping mechanism. This behavior is often a response to emotional or psychological distress, where individuals may use food as a means to manage negative feelings, such as anxiety, stress, or depression. The cycle of bingeing (consuming large quantities of food in a short period) followed by purging (attempting to eliminate the food through vomiting, excessive exercise, or the use of laxatives) does not address the underlying issues and can lead to severe physical and mental health complications. Healthy eating, therapeutic conversations, and mindfulness practices are all considered appropriate coping mechanisms. They contribute positively to one's overall well-being and are aimed at fostering healthier relationships with food and emotions. In contrast, bingeing and purging only perpetuate the cycle of disordered eating and are detrimental to both physical and psychological health. This understanding highlights why bingeing and purging is classified as an inappropriate coping mechanism in the context of bulimia nervosa.