Question

A 20-year-old college student is admitted to the eating disorder unit with a diagnosis of bulimia nervosa. Which of the following statements describes the client with bulimia nervosa? A. The client negates the feminine role. B. The client maintains rigid control. C. The client is extroverted and seeks intimacy. D. The client is often described as the "model child."

Short answer

A. The client negates the feminine role. B. The client maintains rigid control. C. The client is extroverted and seeks intimacy. D. The client is often described as the 'model child.' Answer: D. The client is often described as the 'model child.'

Step-by-step solution

Analyze Answer Option A

Option A states, "The client negates the feminine role." This statement is not specific to bulimia nervosa, and does not describe a behavioral pattern typically seen in individuals with bulimia nervosa. This option is not correct.

Analyze Answer Option B

Option B states, "The client maintains rigid control." While individuals with eating disorders like bulimia nervosa may exhibit some control issues, the statement is too general and not specific enough to describe the symptoms and behaviors associated with bulimia nervosa. This option is not correct.

Analyze Answer Option C

Option C states, "The client is extroverted and seeks intimacy." This statement is irrelevant to the diagnosis of bulimia nervosa. Eating disorders can affect people with various personality traits, and this statement does not specifically address behaviors or symptoms associated with bulimia nervosa. This option is not correct.

Analyze Answer Option D

Option D states, "The client is often described as the 'model child.'" This statement is closer to describing an individual with bulimia nervosa. Clients with bulimia nervosa may often be described as "model children," in the sense that they appear to be well-behaved, high-achieving, and perfectionistic individuals. The secrecy and shame involved in the bingeing and purging cycles often lead them to hide their disorder from others. This option is correct.

Conclusion

After analyzing all the answer choices, option D - "The client is often described as the 'model child'" - best describes a client with bulimia nervosa.

Key concepts

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that affect one's eating behaviors, thoughts, and emotions about food and body image. They often stem from various biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors.

There are several types of eating disorders, but the most commonly known include:

• Anorexia Nervosa: Characterized by restricted food intake, an intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted body image.
• Bulimia Nervosa: Involves cycles of binge eating followed by purging to prevent weight gain.
• Binge Eating Disorder: Consists of episodes of eating large quantities of food without subsequent purging, often leading to feelings of guilt and shame.

Eating disorders can have severe physical health implications, such as heart problems, digestive issues, and nutritional deficiencies. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for effective treatment.

Psychology of Eating Disorders

The psychology of eating disorders is intricate, often involving a combination of emotional and cognitive factors. Individuals may develop distorted beliefs about food, body image, and self-worth.

Several psychological factors commonly contribute to eating disorders:

• Low Self-Esteem: Many individuals with eating disorders struggle with feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt.
• Perfectionism: There is often an obsessive need for control and perfection, which can manifest in rigid eating behaviors.
• Anxiety and Depression: Emotional distress can trigger the onset or exacerbation of disordered eating habits.
• Stress and Coping: Eating disorders can develop as maladaptive coping mechanisms to deal with stress or traumatic events.

Understanding these psychological underpinnings is essential for designing effective treatment plans and helping individuals recover from eating disorders.

Symptoms of Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia nervosa presents with specific behavioral and physical symptoms. This disorder is marked by recurrent episodes of binge eating, followed by compensatory behaviors designed to avoid weight gain.

Key symptoms of bulimia nervosa include:

• Binge Eating: Consuming large amounts of food in a short period, often feeling a loss of control during these episodes.
• Purging: Engaging in behaviors like vomiting, excessive exercise, or use of laxatives to rid the body of calories consumed.
• Fixation on Body Image: Obsessive concern over weight and body shape, often leading to distorted self-perception.
• Secretive Behavior: Individuals often hide eating behaviors, experiencing shame and guilt towards their actions.

Physical signs can include sore throat, swollen glands, gastrointestinal problems, and tooth erosion from stomach acid exposure. Recognizing these symptoms early is critical for getting the appropriate support and treatment.