Age Specific Populations Related

Review Age Specific Populations related questions and content

A nurse is working with a patient with anorexia nervosa. What is the priority assessment for this patient?

  • A. Height and weight changes.
  • B. Food intake and nutritional status.
  • C. Mental health status and body image concerns.
  • D. Vital signs and cardiovascular function.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Height and weight changes. In anorexia nervosa, monitoring height and weight is crucial to assess the severity of malnutrition and potential complications. Weight loss is a key indicator of the patient's nutritional status and overall health decline. Height measurement also helps determine growth patterns in younger patients.

Choice B: Food intake and nutritional status, although important, is not the priority as weight changes provide a more direct reflection of the patient's nutritional status.

Choice C: Mental health status and body image concerns are significant in anorexia nervosa, but assessing height and weight takes precedence due to the immediate physical risks associated with severe malnutrition.

Choice D: Vital signs and cardiovascular function are important, but monitoring height and weight is more specific to the nutritional deficiencies seen in anorexia nervosa.