Eating Disorders are illnesses that are characterized by irregular eating habits and extreme distress or concern about body weight or shape. Eating disturbances may involve inadequate or excessive food intake which can basically cause harm to a person’s well-being. The most common forms of eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, pica, rumination disorder, avoidant or restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), and other specified feeding or eating disorder (OSFED). Read this study guide and learn more about eating disorders (anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa), its nursing care management, interventions, and assessment. Show
What are Eating Disorders?Eating disorders are characterized by a repeated disturbance of eating or eating-related behavior that results in the altered consumption or absorption of food and that significantly diminishes physical health or psychosocial functioning. Eating disorders can be viewed on a continuum, with clients with anorexia nervosa eating too little or starving themselves, client with bulimia eating chaotically, and clients with obesity eating too much.
Types of Eating DisordersThe most common eating disorders found in the mental health setting are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, pica, rumination disorder, avoidant or restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), and other specified feeding or eating disorder (OSFED).
CausesA specific cause for eating disorders is unknown; initially, dieting may be the stimulus that leads to their development.
Statistics and IncidencesObesity has been identified as a major health problem in the United States; some call it an epidemic. Millions of women are either starving themselves or engaging in chaotic eating patterns that can lead to death.
Clinical ManifestationsThe following are the signs and symptoms of eating disorders: Symptoms of anorexia nervosa include:
Symptoms of bulimia nervosa include:
Assessment and Diagnostic FindingsThe following diagnostic tests and assessment cues are commonly used for patients suspected with eating disorders:
Medical ManagementMedical management focuses on weight restoration, nutritional rehabilitation, rehydration, and correction of electrolyte imbalances.
Pharmacologic ManagementSeveral classes of drugs have been studied, but few have shown clinical success.
Nursing Management for Eating DisordersNursing care for a client with eating disorder include the following: Nursing AssessmentAlthough anorexia and bulimia have several differences, many similarities are found when assessing.
Nursing DiagnosisNursing diagnoses for clients with eating disorders include the following:
Nursing Care Planning and GoalsNursing care plans and goals for clients with eating disorders: For the main article, visit: 7 Eating Disorders: Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nursing Care Plans.
Nursing InterventionsNursing interventions for clients with eating disorders are:
EvaluationGoals are met as evidenced by:
Documentation GuidelinesDocumentation in a client with eating disorder include:
Practice Quiz: Eating DisordersPlease visit our nursing test bank page for more NCLEX practice questions. 1. Nurse Naomi observes Ashley who is hospitalized on an eating disorder unit during mealtimes and for 1 hour after eating. An explanation for this intervention is: A. To reinforce the behavioral contact 1. Answer: B. To prevent purging behaviors.
2. Caroline is diagnosed with anorexia nervosa and is admitted to the special eating disorder unit. The initial treatment priority for her is: A. To promote the client’s independence 2. Answer: D. To initiate a refeeding program.
3. Nurse Donald is planning a psychoeducational discussion for a group of adolescent clients with anorexia nervosa. Which of the following topics would Nurse Donald select to enhance understanding about central issues in this disorder? A. Peer pressure and substance abuse 3. Answer: B. Self-esteem and self-control
4. Nurse Eugenia understands that her client Michelle who is bulimic feels shame and guilt over binge eating and purging. This disorder is therefore considered: A. Ego-dystonic 4. Answer: A. Ego-dystonic.
5. The psychoanalytic theory explains the etiology of anorexia nervosa as: A. Family dynamics that lead to enmeshment of members 5. Answer: D. A conflict between mother and child over separation and individualization.
Which medication is recommended in the treatment of anorexia?No medications are approved to treat anorexia because none has been found to work very well. However, antidepressants or other psychiatric medications can help treat other mental health disorders you may also have, such as depression or anxiety.
Which medication is used most frequently in patients with anorexia nervosa?The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) seem to be favored over the tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) because of their side-effect profile, lower chance of overdose, and higher tolerability. Studies have been conducted evaluating tricyclic antidepressants in the treatment of anorexia.
Which is the most common technique to treat anorexia nervosa?Cognitive remediation therapy (CRT)
It's currently used in the treatment of anorexia nervosa.
What medication can be used to increase appetite in an anorexic patient?Megestrol acetate
Megestrol is a progesterone based medication that doctors can prescribe to boost appetite in people with anorexia, cancer, HIV, or AIDS. It may also treat breast cancer and endometrial cancer. The drug is available in liquid or tablet form.
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