A teenager admitted to the eating disorders unit has begun ...

[Mr3Hunna]

A teenager admitted to the eating disorders unit has begun displaying behaviors that re-flect possible secondary gains related to the hospitalization. What is the basis for this be-havioral change?
 
  a. The patient has moved into the guilt phase of the recovery process.
  b. The attention has reinforced the initial food-focusing behaviors.
  c. The medication therapy has not yet brought about the expected results.
  d. The increase of calories had help clarify the patient's thought processes.

Question 2

A patient who is hospitalized with anorexia nervosa states during a one-to-one session with the nurse, I'm freaking out. I'm losing it. Which nurse response would be most therapeutic at this time?
 
  a. Would you feel better if I called your parents?
  b. Just sit here and relax that will help you regain control.
  c. May I sit with you while you think about what is happening?
  d. Please tell me what thoughts are going through your head right now.

[dreamfighter72]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Unfortunately, secondary gains, such as the attention generated from the hospitalization, re-inforce the behavior associated with the eating disorder. There is no phase of the recovery identified with the expression of guilt. Clarity of one's thinking nor the expected effects of medication therapy would contribute to secondary gains.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
Helping the patient identify thoughts will facilitate the learning of effective coping mecha-nisms to deal with the stress. The patient needs to learn to bear and deal effectively with her own discomfort. The nurse is taking control without allowing the patient the opportunity to deal with her own issues. The nurse should encourage the patient to deal with her feelings and issues, rather than sit passively with her.