Question

For each of the following symptoms identified on the nursing assessment, identify whether it is applicable to anorexia or bulimia:

Emaciation

Anemia

Electrolyte imbalance

Malnutrition

Dehydration

Abnormal vital signs (increased temperature, decreased pulse)

Hair loss

Swollen parotid gland

Peripheral edema

Hemoptysis

Chronic sore throat

Irregular menses

Constipation

Tooth discoloration

Lanugo

Amenorrhea

Dental caries

Answer 1

• Emaciation..it is a state of abnormally thin and weak ..seen in case of anorexia nervosa as in this condition the individual will starve to a higher extent and this will lead to the thinning of the individual which is emaciation. Lack of supplimentation of food is the main reason for this . emaciation . This is not prominent in case if bulimia when compared to anorexia.
• Anemia is commonly seen in case of bulimia( frequently stimulating vomiting) as the frequent vomiting will lead to the rupture if stomach and lead to loss of blood and RBC in it that is anemia . This also result in the loss of vitamin and degredation will lead to kidney injury. Kidneys produce erythropoietin and when all these lack the RBC production will reduce and will lead to anemia in bulimia
• Electrolyte imbalance is applicable to both but is more suitable for the bulimia as the purge and vomiting is more occuring in case if bulimia. In this the electrolyte and fluid imbalance is prominent and almost 70% of them have hyponatremia and hypochloremic . They also will have metabolic alkalosis related to all these and also abnormal in pottasium value also
• Malnutrition..seen in.both cases. And is more prominent in case of anorexia nervosa as starvation is the main cause in this condition. So in starvation our body will lack nutrition and enough protein and other nutrients will not be supplimentated . It is most commonly seen in women