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A patient admitted to the eating disorders unit has yellow skin, the extremities are cold, and the heart rate is 42 bpm. The patient weighs 70 pounds; height is 5 feet 4 inches. The patient is quiet during the assessment saying only, "I will not eat until I lose enough weight to look thin." Select the best initial nursing diagnosis.

  • A. Anxiety related to fear of weight gain
  • B. Disturbed body image related to weight loss
  • C. Ineffective coping related to lack of conflict resolution skills
  • D. Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements related to self-starvation
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct initial nursing diagnosis is D: Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements related to self-starvation. The patient's presentation of yellow skin, cold extremities, bradycardia, low weight, and refusal to eat indicate severe malnutrition due to self-starvation. The key indicators are the physical signs of malnutrition and the patient's statement about not eating until they lose enough weight. Options A and B do not address the primary issue of malnutrition and self-starvation. Option C focuses on coping skills, which is not the priority in this case. Therefore, option D is the best initial nursing diagnosis to address the patient's life-threatening condition of malnutrition.