13.1 Introduction
Learning Objectives
- Identify assessment cues of eating disorder behaviors
- Identify nursing priorities for clients with eating disorders
- Plan outcomes for clients with eating disorders
- Differentiate safety/protective interventions for clients with eating disorders
- Apply evidence-based practice when planning care and interventions for clients with eating disorders
- Analyze treatments for clients with eating disorders
- Apply the nursing process to clients with eating disorders at risk for suicide
Many individuals experience concerns about their weight at some point in their lives. However, eating disorders involve a distorted perception of weight and body image, leading to an unhealthy relationship with food. This psychological struggle can result in behaviors such as extreme food restriction, compulsive exercise, binge eating, and purging. Eating disorders can affect people of any gender, age, race, or socioeconomic background and often have a profound impact on their loved ones. Without proper identification and treatment, the physiological consequences can be life-threatening. This chapter explores the various types of eating disorders, common assessment findings, treatment approaches, and nursing interventions.
