Anorexia Nervosa Flashcards
1
Q
Define Anorexia Nervosa
A
Dramatic weight loss as a result of decreased food intake and sharply increased physical exercise
2
Q
Complications of Anorexia Nervosa
A
- Fluid and Electrolyte imbalance
- Decreased blood volume
- Cardiac arrhythmias
- Esophagitis
- Rupture of the esophagus or stomach
- Tooth loss
- Menstrual problems
3
Q
Risk Factors for Anorexia Nervosa
A
- Family History
- Female
- Caucasian race
- Preoccupation with appearance, obsessive traits or low self-esteem
4
Q
Nursing Assessment: Health History
A
- Ask about history of constipation, syncope, secondary amenorrhea, abdominal pain, and periodic episodes of cold hands and feet
- Parents usually note the chief complaint as weight loss
- Evaluate the child’s self-concept, noting multiple fears, high need for acceptance, disordered body image and perfectionism
5
Q
Nursing Assessment: Physical Examination
A
- Severely underweight with a BMI of less than 17
- Note cachectic appearance, dry sallow skin, thinning scalp hair, soft sparse body hair, and nail pitting
- Vital Signs: low temperature, bradycardia, hypotension
- Auscultate the heart, noting murmur as a result of mitral valve prolapse
6
Q
Lab and Diagnostics
A
- Fluid and Electrolytes
- Electrocardiogram
7
Q
Interventions for Anorexia Nervosa
A
- Slowly refeeding (to avoid cardiovascular, neurologic and hematologic complications)
- Phosphorous supplements
- Assess vitals signs for orthostatic hypotension, irregular and decreased pulse, hypothermia
- Consult with a nutritionist
- Keep a daily journal of intake, bingeing and purging behaviors, mood and exercise
- Help plan a suitable structure routine for the child that includes meals, snacks, and appropriate physical activity
- Educate about the consequences of malnutrition
- Refer adolescent to behavior or group therapy
- Assess child’s need for medical intervention for concomitant depression or anxiety
- Provide emotional support and positive reinforcement
- Refer to local support groups
