Knowledge Deficit — Anorexia & Bulimia Nervosa Nursing Care Plan (NCP)

NURSING DIAGNOSIS: Knowledge, deficient [Learning Need] regarding condition, prognosis, treatment, self-care and discharge needs

May be related to

• Lack of exposure to/unfamiliarity with information about condition
• Learned maladaptive coping skills

Possibly evidenced by

• Verbalization of misconception of relationship of current situation and behaviors
• Preoccupation with extreme fear of obesity and distortion of own body image
• Refusal to eat; binging and purging; abuse of laxatives and diuretics; excessive exercising
• Verbalization of need for new information
• Expressions of desire to learn more adaptive ways of coping with stressors

Desired Outcomes

• Verbalize awareness of and plan for lifestyle changes to maintain normal weight.
• Identify relationship of signs/symptoms (weight loss, tooth decay) to behaviors of not eating/binging-purging.
• Assume responsibility for own learning.
• Seek out sources/resources to assist with making identified changes.

Knowledge Deficit — Anorexia & Bulimia Nervosa Nursing Care Plan (NCP): Nursing Interventions & Rationale

Nursing Interventions	Rationale
Determine level of knowledge and readiness to learn.	Learning is easier when it begins where the learner is.
Note blocks to learning, e.g., physical/intellectual/emotional.	Malnutrition, family problems, drug abuse, affective disorders, and obsessive-compulsive symptoms can be blocks to learning requiring resolution before effective learning can occur.
Provide written information for patient/SO(s).	Helpful as reminder of and reinforcement for learning.
Discuss consequences of behavior.	Sudden death can occur because of electrolyte imbalances; suppression of the immune system and liver damage may result from protein deficiency; or gastric rupture may follow binge-eating/vomiting.
Review dietary needs, answering questions as indicated. Encourage inclusion of high-fiber foods and adequate fluid intake.	Patient/family may need assistance with planning for new way of eating. Constipation may occur when laxative use is curtailed.
Encourage the use of relaxation and other stress-management techniques, e.g., visualization, guided imagery, biofeedback.	New ways of coping with feelings of anxiety and fear help patient manage these feelings in more effective ways, assisting in giving up maladaptive behaviors of not eating/binging-purging.
Assist with establishing a sensible exercise program. Caution regarding overexercise.	Exercise can assist with developing a positive body image and combats depression (release of endorphins in the brain enhances sense of well-being). However, patient may use excessive exercise as a way to control weight.
Discuss need for information about sex and sexuality.	Because avoidance of own sexuality is an issue for this patient, realistic information can be helpful in beginning to deal with self as a sexual being.

Found through:

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