The nurse notes Ross's weight loss. What would be an appropriate initial comment to Ross about his weight loss?

The nurse notes Ross's weight loss. What would be an appropriate initial comment to Ross about his weight loss?

• A. What has your appetite been like in the past 2 months?
• B. It's good to see you are not one of these obese children we've been reading about.
• C. This may be a sign that your condition is getting worse.
• D. Have you had any episodes of diarrhea?

Answer: (A)

When weight loss is observed, the first step is to elicit information about eating patterns and intake. Asking an open-ended question about appetite over the past two months invites Ross to describe what he’s been eating, any changes in hunger, and factors affecting intake in a nonjudgmental way. This comment helps establish a baseline and identifies potential contributors to weight loss—such as reduced appetite, nausea, early satiety, or psychosocial factors—without implying a diagnosis. The other options are less appropriate as initial comments. Making a judgment about obesity is insensitive and not relevant to understanding Ross’s weight loss. Suggesting that the condition is worsening presumes a diagnosis and may alarm the patient. Focusing on diarrhea narrows the inquiry too quickly to a single symptom and misses the broader context of appetite and intake. So starting with an open, exploratory question about appetite over a specific recent period is the best approach to gather essential information and guide further assessment.

When weight loss is observed, the first step is to elicit information about eating patterns and intake. Asking an open-ended question about appetite over the past two months invites Ross to describe what he’s been eating, any changes in hunger, and factors affecting intake in a nonjudgmental way. This comment helps establish a baseline and identifies potential contributors to weight loss—such as reduced appetite, nausea, early satiety, or psychosocial factors—without implying a diagnosis.

The other options are less appropriate as initial comments. Making a judgment about obesity is insensitive and not relevant to understanding Ross’s weight loss. Suggesting that the condition is worsening presumes a diagnosis and may alarm the patient. Focusing on diarrhea narrows the inquiry too quickly to a single symptom and misses the broader context of appetite and intake.

So starting with an open, exploratory question about appetite over a specific recent period is the best approach to gather essential information and guide further assessment.