(^466) Medical-Surgical Nursing Demystified
- Temporal wasting, visible ribs, and other bony prominences due to lack of
body fat - Cardiovascular abnormalities due to electrolyte disturbance
- Gastrointestinal abnormalities due to nutritional deficiency
- Dizziness due to lack of calorie intake
- Bradycardia (heart rate below 60 beats per minute)
- Hypotension (low blood pressure)
INTERPRETING TEST RESULTS
- CBC—may see anemia of chronic disease if iron, B 12 and folate levels are
not sufficient to keep up with RBC production. - Electrolytes—abnormalities of Na (sodium), K (potassium), Cl (chloride),
and CO 2 (carbon dioxide). - Calcium—abnormality as stores are depleted and intake is insufficient.
- Magnesium—abnormality as stores are depleted and intake is insufficient.
- Phosphorus—abnormality as stores are depleted and intake is insufficient.
- BUN (blood urea nitrogen) elevated if fluid depleted.
- TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) to rule out thyroid dysfunction as cause
of weight loss. - FHS and LH to monitor hormone function to stimulate ovulation.
- Elevated amylase and normal lipase if vomiting.
- EKG shows abnormal heart rhythm.
TREATMENT
- Psychotherapy:
- Interpersonal therapy.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy.
- Family therapy.
- Antidepressant medications—selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
- Medical management of electrolyte imbalance—replacement as needed.