An adolescent’s parents reports their child tends to eat excessive amounts of food then disappears to the bathroom for an extended period immediately following the meal. The patient also frequently discusses ways to lose weight. The nurse suspects which condition?

The 17-year-old male patient is brought to the clinic for a yearly check-up. The nurse observes the patient to be unkempt, with greasy hair and significant body odor. The patient has a flat affect during questioning. When the nurse provides education on safety practices such as wearing a seatbelt when in the car, not driving with impaired persons, and using protection during sexual intercourse, the patient retorts, “I don’t really see the point in wearing a seatbelt, if it helps me die more quickly.” Which initial response by the nurse is most appropriate?

The patient with a brain neoplasm is combative and cursing at the staff. The family reports that this is a drastic change in the patient's personality. The nurse suspects the tumor is in which lobe of the patient's brain?