Eating Disorders

Question 1

what is the core issue in eating disorders

Answer 1

control

Question 2

what is an eating disorder

Answer 2

a severe disruption in norm eating/perception of weight

Question 3

dx categories in eating disorders

Answer 3

anorexia

bulimia

Question 4

which dx eating disorder is more common

Answer 4

bulimia

Question 5

neurological theory for eating disorder

Answer 5

altered serotonin increases anxiety and body image distortion
mood problems - depression
reduced impulse control (bulimia)

Question 6

there is a genetic component to eating disorders, t or f

Answer 6

true

Question 7

psychological theory for eating disorder

Answer 7

low self-esteem

family dynamics - controlling/perfection(anorexia), chaotic/emotionally expressive (bulimia)

Question 8

meds used to treat eating disorders

Answer 8

SSRI’s

Question 9

co-morbidities r/t eating disorders

Answer 9

sexual abuse
other psych illnesses
OCD w/anorexia

Question 10

incidence of anorexia

Answer 10

early to mid-adolescence

women ages 35-65 due to chg in appearance

Question 11

incidence of bulimia

Answer 11

late adolescence

Question 12

s/s of anorexia

Answer 12

lanugo
cachetic (skinny)
mottled, cool skin on extremities
low BP

Question 13

s/s of bulimia

Answer 13

norm weight
dental erosion
enlarged parotid glands
reported behaviors (self-induced vomiting, laxative/diuretic use, excessive exercise)

Question 14

complications w/anorexia

Answer 14

electrolyte imbalances

blood/protein in urine due to dehydration/malnutrition

Question 15

***criteria for inpatient hospitalization r/t anorexia

Answer 15

weight loss >30% of body wt. within 6 mos

hypothermia

Question 16

psych criteria for inpatient hospitalization r/t anorexia

Answer 16

suicidal 
self-mutilating behaviors
use of laxatives - uncontrolled
severe depression
failure to comply w/trt
family crisis/dysfunction

Question 17

what is Russell’s sign

Answer 17

calluses on the knuckles from self-induced vomiting

Question 18

physical complications of bulimia

Answer 18

cardiac arrest
Russell’s sign
esophageal tears

Question 19

A patient has anorexia nervosa. The history shows the
patient virtually stopped eating 5 months ago and has lost 25% of body weight. The serum potassium is 2.7 mg/dl.
Which nursing diagnosis applies?

Answer 19

A.Adult failure to thrive, related to abuse of
laxatives as evidenced by electrolyte imbalances and
weight loss
B.Disturbed energy field, related to physical
exertion in excess of energy produced through caloric
intake as evidenced by weight loss and hyperkalemia
C.Ineffective health maintenance, related to
self-induced vomiting as evidenced by swollen parotid
glands and hyperkalemia
D.Imbalanced nutrition: less than body
requirements, related to reduced oral intake as evidenced by loss of 25% of body weight and hypokalemia

Question 20

Which personality characteristic is a nurse most likely to

assess in a patient with anorexia nervosa?

Answer 20

B.Rigidity, perfectionism

Question 21

Which assessment finding for a patient with an eating

disorder meets a criterion for hospitalization?

Answer 21

D.Systolic blood pressure: 62 mm Hg

Question 22

During her assessment of a client who has been
diagnosed with bulimia nervosa, the nurse knows to
check for certain characteristics that accompany binge
eating and purging. Identify the characteristics that are
most applicable. Select all that apply.

Answer 22

1. Guilt
2. Dental caries
3. Self-induced vomiting
4. Normal weight