Bulimia Nervosa

Question 1

Define Bulimia

Answer 1

Cycle of normal food intake, followed by binge-eating and then purging

Question 2

Complications of Bulimia

Answer 2

1. Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalance
2. Decreased blood volume
3. Cardiac arrthythmias
4. Esophagitis
5. Rupture of the esophagus or stomach
6. Tooth loss
7. Menstrual problems

Question 3

Signs and Symptoms of Bulimia

Answer 3

1. Thin or slightly overweight
2. Amenorrhea
3. Bradycardia
4. Hypotension
5. Hypothermia
6. Epigastric tenderness on palpation
7. Painless swelling of the salivary glands
8. Unusual swelling of the cheeks or jaw area
9. Hoarseness
10. Thin, brittle nails and hair
11. Growth of fine hair over entire body

Question 4

Risk Factors for Bulimia

Answer 4

1. Family History
2. Female gender
3. Caucasian race
4. Preoccupation with appearance, obsessive traits or low-self esteem
5. Parental obesity
6. History of sexual abuse
7. Severe life stressors
8. Influence of societal, environmental and cultural overemphasis on physical appearance
9. Poor parenting or lack of family nurturing

Question 5

Nursing Assessment: Health History for Bulimia

Answer 5

1. Episodic binge eating
2. Continuous eating until abdominal pain, sleep or the presence of another person interrupts
3. Preference for foods that are sweet, soft and high in calories and carbs
4. Sense of guilt
5. Childhood trauma
6. Parental obesity
7. Depression
8. Constipation or diarrhea
9. Abdominal or epigastric pain

Question 6

Nursing Assessment: Physical Examination for Bulimia

Answer 6

1. Normal or slightly overweight
2. Inspect hands for calluses on the back of knuckles and spilt fingernails
3. Inspect mouth and oropharynx for eroded dental enamel, red gums and inflamed throat from self-induced vomiting

Question 7

Laboratory and Diagnostic Test for Bulimia

Answer 7

1. Electrolytes
2. Electrocardiogram

Question 8

Treatments for Bulimia

Answer 8

1. Weight restoration
2. Inpatient or outpatient psychotherapy
3. Self-help groups
4. Drug rehabilitation
5. Interpersonal psychotherapy
6. Monitoring for medical complications
7. Nutritional rehabilitation counseling

Question 9

Interventions for Bulimia

Answer 9

1. Supervise the child during mealtimes and specified periods after meals
2. Set a time limit for each meal
3. Provide a pleasant, relaxed environment for eating
4. Use behavior modification techniques
5. Weigh the child daily
6. Consult with a child life specialist
7. Provide emotional support and positive reinforcement