A nurse is caring for a client who has anorexia nervosa and insists on exercising three times each day. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A.
Remind the client that if her weight decreases, she will lose a privilege.
B.
Allow the client to exercise once per day for a set amount of time.
C.
Ask the client why she feels the need to exercise so often.
D.
Allow the client to exercise when she wants as long as she eats 50% of all meals.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is B: Allow the client to exercise once per day for a set amount of time.
Explanation:
Anorexia nervosa is a serious mental health disorder characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image, often leading to extreme dietary restrictions and excessive exercise. In managing anorexia nervosa, it is crucial to balance the client’s needs for physical health and mental well-being while addressing the underlying issues of the disorder.
Option A: Remind the client that if her weight decreases, she will lose a privilege. This approach can be counterproductive as it might further entrench the client’s fear of weight gain and increase their anxiety. It may also reinforce a punitive rather than supportive approach, which can exacerbate feelings of guilt and shame associated with their eating disorder.
Option C: Ask the client why she feels the need to exercise so often. While understanding the client’s motivations can be part of therapy, it does not directly address the immediate need for a structured exercise plan that considers the client’s physical health and the limitations imposed by anorexia nervosa. It’s important to focus on practical strategies for managing the client’s behavior rather than solely exploring reasons.
Option D: Allow the client to exercise when she wants as long as she eats 50% of all meals. Allowing unrestricted exercise can be detrimental to the client’s recovery, particularly if their exercise regimen contributes to further weight loss or interferes with the nutritional rehabilitation process. A structured approach to exercise is necessary to prevent over-exertion and to support the client’s physical and psychological recovery.
Option B: Allow the client to exercise once per day for a set amount of time. This option provides a controlled and structured approach to exercise, which is essential for clients with anorexia nervosa. It allows for physical activity while ensuring that the amount of exercise is regulated and does not interfere with the client’s nutritional intake or recovery. A set schedule for exercise can help prevent the client from engaging in excessive activity that could undermine their treatment goals. This approach helps to gradually integrate exercise into a balanced lifestyle while addressing the disorder’s impact on the client’s physical and mental health.