The nurse is caring for an adolescent patient with anorexia nervosa. She knows the best treatment option is:

Question

a. hospitalization with skill nursing care.
b. compulsory tube feedings.
c. individually determined by a collaborative team.
d. outpatient treatment.

Answer 1

ANS: C
Ultimately, the decision on how best to ethically treat an adolescent suffering from an eating disorder needs to be one of collaboration among the child's physician, nurse, counselor, spiritual adviser, parents, and other concerned adults. Highly skilled nursing care with hospitalization is preferred prior to a drop in BMI levels below 13 kg/m2. Compulsory tube feedings are not always the best option. Although most adolescents with eating disorders can be treated on an outpatient basis, those who exhibit severe depression, extreme physical complications resulting from electrolyte imbalances, or suicidal tendencies may require extensive inpatient treatment.