Which risk factor is considered when a patient has altered body image?

When considering a patient with altered body image, psychological needs are a significant risk factor. Altered body image can profoundly affect a patient’s mental health, leading to issues such as depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. It can stem from various medical conditions, surgeries, or physical disfigurements, making it crucial to address the patient’s emotional and psychological well-being.

Focusing on psychological needs involves understanding how the patient's perception of their body can influence their overall health and recovery. Interventions might include providing emotional support, counseling, and education to help the patient cope with their new self-image and restore a sense of normalcy in their life. By prioritizing psychological needs, healthcare providers can improve outcomes by fostering a more positive self-image and enhancing the patient's quality of life.

In contrast, while fluid imbalance, increased nutritional needs, and increased pain can be relevant to a patient's overall health status, they do not specifically address the emotional and cognitive aspects relating to body image, making the focus on psychological needs more appropriate in this context.