Patient Care with Anorexia: Nursing

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by an abnormally low body weight, an intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted perception of weight . Symptoms of anorexia include extreme weight loss, thin appearance, abnormal blood counts, fatigue, insomnia, dizziness or fainting, bluish discoloration of the fingers, hair that thins, breaks or falls out, soft, downy hair covering the body, absence of menstruation, constipation, dry or yellowish skin, intolerance of cold, irregular heart rhythms, low blood pressure, dehydration, osteoporosis, swelling of arms or legs, and more . Patients with anorexia nervosa require specialized care from a team of medical professionals, including a medical doctor, a registered dietitian nutritionist, a psychotherapist, and a psychiatrist . The role of nurses is critical in identifying destructive eating patterns and providing physical and emotional care for patients from detection to recovery .