A school nurse is evaluating a teenager who is returning to school after breaking her fibula. The nurse notes the student has a blood pressure of 90/56 mm Hg, has a pulse of 58 beats/minute, and is wearing three layers of clothing
What action by the nurse is best?
A.
Ask the student if she had pain medication this morning.
B.
Document the findings and send the student to classes.
C.
Have the student lie down and call 911 immediately.
D.
Question the student about eating and exercising patterns.
ANS: D
Signs of anorexia nervosa include weakness, dizziness, excessive weight loss, intolerance to cold, bradycardia, hypotension, bone loss with fractures, constipation, and the development of lanugo. The nurse should assess the student for the restricted eating and excessive exercise that is characteristic of this disorder. The lower blood pressure and pulse might be the result of pain medication, but the student should not have been allowed to return to school on these medications, and this does not explain why the student appears to feel cold. Documenting the findings is important, but the school nurse has an excellent opportunity to assess and intervene if needed. Calling 911 immediately is not warranted.
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