A 24-year old client with anorexia nervosa tells the nurse, “When I look in the mirror, I hate what I see. I look so fat and ugly.” Which strategy should the nurse use to deal with the client’s distorted perceptions and feelings?
a. Avoid discussing the client’s perceptions and feelings
b. Focus discussions on food and weight
c. Avoid discussing unrealistic cultural standards regarding weight
d. Provide objective data and feedback regarding the client’s weight and attractiveness
Answer D.
By focusing on reality, this strategy may help the client develop a more realistic body image and gain self-esteem. Option A is inappropriate because discussing the client’s perceptions and feeling wouldn’t help her to identify, accept, and work through them. Focusing discussions on food and weight would give the client attention for not eating, making option B incorrect. Option C is inappropriate because recognizing unrealistic cultural standards wouldn’t help the client establish more realistic weight goals.
a. Avoid discussing the client’s perceptions and feelings
b. Focus discussions on food and weight
c. Avoid discussing unrealistic cultural standards regarding weight
d. Provide objective data and feedback regarding the client’s weight and attractiveness
Answer D.
By focusing on reality, this strategy may help the client develop a more realistic body image and gain self-esteem. Option A is inappropriate because discussing the client’s perceptions and feeling wouldn’t help her to identify, accept, and work through them. Focusing discussions on food and weight would give the client attention for not eating, making option B incorrect. Option C is inappropriate because recognizing unrealistic cultural standards wouldn’t help the client establish more realistic weight goals.
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Psychiatric Mental Health