Nursing care plan for anorexia nervosa

Introduction to Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia Nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by a fear of gaining weight, abnormal levels of body fat, and a strong desire to be thin. It can affect both men and women of all ages. People with anorexia nervosa may also experience changes in their thinking patterns, moods, and behavior. This disorder can have serious health impacts, such as malnutrition and organ failure.

Assessment of Anorexia Nervosa

• Weight Changes. An individual may be significantly underweight, losing large amounts of weight over short periods, or experiencing a prolonged period of weight loss.
• Body Image Distortion. A person can have an unrealistic perception of their body size and shape which can result in an aversion to being seen in public. They may also try to hide their body.
• Restrictive Eating Habits. People may have excessive rigid rules about what and how much they eat, such as avoiding certain foods because of their calorie or fat content.
• Fatigue. Feeling tired and weak, particularly after meals.
• Poor Concentration. An individual may struggle to focus on tasks, retain information, and feel overwhelmed.

Nursing Diagnosis for Anorexia Nervosa

1. Nutrition: Imbalanced, less than body requirements related to decreased intake of food.
2. Activity Intolerance: Related to physical and psychological effects of malnutrition.
3. Emotional Disturbance: Experienced in response to body image and self-evaluation.
4. Disturbed Personal Identity: Dysfunctional components of self-concept creation influenced by body image.
5. Social Interaction: Ineffective related to difficulty in creating authentic relationships.

Outcomes for Anorexia Nervosa

• The patient will gain weight to normal body mass index.
• The patient will display improved physical and psychological well-being.
• The patient will demonstrate increased self-esteem.
• The patient will display improved social interactions.
• The patient will display improved body image.

Interventions for Anorexia Nervosa

• Increase patient understanding of healthy nutrition.
• Assess and monitor food and beverage intake.
• Provide nutritious snacks between meals.
• Encourage structured exercise program.
• Assist patient in setting realistic goals.
• Refer patient to mental health professional.
• Instruct patient on relaxation techniques.
• Encourage positive self-talk.

Rationales for Anorexia Nervosa

• Increasing patient’s understanding of nutrition will foster awareness and education on the importance of balanced nutrition for health optimization.
• Assessment and monitoring of food and fluids will provide baseline data used to compare future intake.
• Nutritious snacks will help provide adequate calories and nutrition throughout the day.
• Structured exercise will help increase mobility and improve overall physical health.
• Realistic goal setting will assist the patient to focus on positive accomplishments and reduce potential for negative thoughts and behaviors.
• Mental health referral will provide the patient with additional support from a professional in managing Anorexia Nervosa.
• Relaxation techniques will teach the patient methods to reduce stress levels.
• Positive self talk will reinforce a positive self image, reduce fear and depression, and increase overall well-being.

Evaluation of Anorexia Nervosa

At the end of the nursing care plan, the patient should have achieved the desired outcomes of: improved physical and psychological well-being; increased self-esteem; improved social interactions; and improved body image.

Conclusion to Nursing Care Plan for Anorexia Nervosa

A nursing care plan for individuals with Anorexia Nervosa should encompass interventions aimed at promoting nutrition, physical activity, emotional health, and positive self-image. By providing holistic care, the patient can safely and effectively transition toward recovery.

FAQs about Anorexia Nervosa

• What is Anorexia Nervosa? Anorexia Nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by a fear of gaining weight, abnormal levels of body fat, and a strong desire to be thin.
• What are the symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa? Common symptoms include weight changes, changes in body image, restrictive eating habits, fatigue, poor concentration, and emotional distress.
• What are the nursing interventions for Anorexia Nervosa? Interventions may include increasing patient's understanding of healthy nutrition, assessing and monitoring food and drink intake, providing nutritious snacks, encouraging structured exercise program, assisting patient in setting realistic goals, referring patient to mental health professional, instructing patient on relaxation techniques, and encouraging positive self-talk.
• How can Anorexia Nervosa be effectively managed? Anorexia Nervosa can be managed effectively through a comprehensive, holistic approach that incorporates interventions discussed above.
• What is the expected outcome of an effective care plan for Anorexia Nervosa? The patient should achieve improved physical and psychological well-being; increased self-esteem; improved social interactions; and improved body image.