Anorexia Nervosa
Mental Health "Psychiatric Care"
Pathophysiology
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder causing clients to obsess about their weight & what they eat.
Distorted body image
& fear of being overweight
Risk Factors:
- Adolescent females are the most affected
- Anorexia also has the highest death rate of all
mental disorders due to suicide
KAPLAN
ATI
1st
Which statements are true regarding
anorexia nervosa?
Select all that apply.
Anorexia nervosa: The client has an
unrealistic fear of obesity
Clients see themselves as overweight
Adolescent females are most affected
Anorexia nervosa has the highest
mortality rate of all mental disorders
Signs & Symptoms
Starvation → Malnutrition
Vigorous Exercise
SEVERE
HESI
6 NCLEX TIPS
Q1: adolescent female with anorexia
nervosa. Which physical findings
support the diagnosis?
Select all that apply
Lanugo
Irregular heart rate
Pulse rate 48 bpm
1. Extreme weight loss
Less than 75% of expected weight
“25% below normal weight” NCLEX TIP
2. Fluid & electrolyte imbalance
Hypokalemia: potassium below 3.5 (cardiac dysrhythmias)
3. Lanugo (thin hair)
4. Amenorrhea (no menstruation)
Q2: ... which assessment finding
meets the criteria for hospitalization?
Serum potassium level 2.6 mEq/L
5. Cold intolerance
6. Low Vitals: Low temp., Low BP,
Low HR (below 60)
Treatment
Typically done in an outpatient clinic (outside the hospital), but hospitalization may be needed if the client's
body weight is below 75% ideal.
Priority short-term goal
2 NCLEX TIPS
1. Increase caloric intake for
gradual weight gain
2. One-on-one supervision
during feedings
HESI
Q1: What is the focus for the acute
phase of treatment for anorexia
nervosa?
Weight restoration
Q2: … anorexia nervosa presents with
severe dehydration and rapid weight
loss in the last week:
Suggest hospital admission
Admitted for Malnutrition
5 NCLEX TIPS
1. Strict record: protein & calorie intake
2. Stay with the client during each meal
& 1 hour after
3. Morning weights prior to oral intake
4. Help the client identify triggers
5. NO exercise!
Communication
Encourage & reinforce: NCLEX TIP
“Progress toward healthy weight”
35 kg
HESI
What is a subjective symptom ... with
anorexia nervosa?
Fear of gaining weight
Saunder’s
… cognitive behavioral approach
● Help the client to examine
dysfunctional thoughts and
beliefs
Let sort out your
emotions together