During the nurse’s assessment of a client who has been diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, the nurse evaluates certain characteristics that accompany an intense fear of gaining weight. What characteristics are most applicable?
Individuals who suffer from the eating disorder anorexia nervosa usually have a distorted body image and are preoccupied with controlling their weight and shape. Common characteristics are fatigue from lack of food along with an excessive exercise regime to lose weight. Alternately, bulimia nervosa clients are typically of normal weight. Low, rather than high, blood pressure is associated with anorexia.
