Page 2298 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

f. Death can occur from starvation,

suicide, cardiomyopathies, or
electrolyte imbalances.

2. Assessment

a. Appetite loss and refusal to eat
b. Appetite denial
c. Feelings of lack of control
d. Compulsive exercising
e. Overachiever and perfectionist
f. Physical alterations: Many occur and
can include decreased temperature,
pulse, and blood pressure; weight loss;
gastrointestinal disturbances such as
constipation; teeth and gum
deterioration; esophageal varices from
induced vomiting; electrolyte
imbalances; dry, scaly skin; presence of
lanugo on extremities; sleep
disturbances; hormone deficiencies;
amenorrhea for at least 3 consecutive
menstrual periods; cyanosis and
numbness of extremities; and bone
degeneration.
D. Bulimia nervosa
1. Description
a. Repeated episodes of excessive and
uncontrollable consumption of large
amounts of food (binges) followed by
inappropriate compensatory actions
such as self-induced vomiting, misuse
of cathartics (e.g., laxatives), diuretics,
and/or self-starvation

b. Most clients remain within a

normal weight range, but think that
their lives are dominated by the eating-
related conflict.
2. Assessment
a. Preoccupied with body shape and
weight
b. Preoccupation with thoughts of food
c. Extreme fear of gaining weight
d. Consumption of high-calorie food in
secret; guilt about secretive eating

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