Mental Health Nursing
A 25 year woman was admitted to medical ward for anorexia chemotherapy the nursing diagnosis was imbalanced…
A 25 year woman was admitted to medical ward for anorexia chemotherapy the nursing diagnosis was imbalanced nutrition less than body requirements related to dysfunctional eating pattern which of the following is the best way to evaluate the outcome of nursing care of this patient?
Explanation
Core Concept: In patients with anorexia nervosa or those experiencing severe weight loss due to medical treatments (like chemotherapy), the most objective and reliable indicator of nutritional status and the effectiveness of the care plan is the patient's body weight. Daily weights provide immediate feedback on caloric balance and fluid status.
Clinical Presentation:
- Significant weight loss, muscle wasting, and loss of subcutaneous fat.
- Fatigue, weakness, and potential electrolyte imbalances (hypokalemia, hypophosphatemia).
- In chemotherapy patients: nausea, mucositis, and altered taste.
Diagnosis:
- First-line diagnostic plan: Daily weight monitoring using the same scale, at the same time, in similar clothing.
- Most accurate (gold standard) assessment: Comprehensive nutritional assessment including BMI, serum albumin/prealbumin levels, and dietary intake records (calorie counts).
Management:
- Acute management: Record daily weight strictly. Monitor intake and output. Provide small, frequent, high-calorie, high-protein meals. Administer antiemetics if chemotherapy-induced nausea is present.
- Gold standard long-term management: Multidisciplinary approach involving a dietitian, psychologist, and medical team. Establish target weight goals, address underlying psychological factors (in anorexia), and monitor for refeeding syndrome during nutritional rehabilitation.