Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

What should a nurse address when providing care for a patient with anorexia nervosa?

1. Emotional stability

2. Physical abuse effects

3. Family influences

4. Social interactions

The correct answer is: Physical abuse effects

When providing care for a patient with anorexia nervosa, addressing emotional stability is critical. Anorexia nervosa is often linked to underlying psychological issues such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Ensuring that the patient feels emotionally stable can significantly impact their willingness to engage in treatment and their overall recovery process. Emotional stability involves assessing the patient's mental health, creating a supportive environment where they feel safe to express their feelings, and employing therapeutic techniques that address their emotional needs. This might include counseling, monitoring for risky behaviors, and offering support as they navigate their feelings about food, body image, and self-worth. While considering family influences, social interactions, and the effects of physical abuse can be important components of a comprehensive treatment plan, they do not directly address the immediate psychological aspects that are often the most pressing in cases of anorexia. Focusing on the emotional stability of the patient is foundational to encouraging recovery and helping them develop a healthier relationship with food and their body.