13.10 Learning Activity: Case Study
Case Study
Tiffany is a 24-year-old nursing student who works weekends as a certified nursing assistant. Her sister, Sara, brings Tiffany to a clinic appointment with a nurse practitioner because of the family’s concerns about Tiffany’s weight and eating habits.
During the intake process, Tiffany states, “I don’t think there is a problem; I just don’t want to be fat.” Tiffany is 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighs 101 pounds while wearing street clothes. Her calculated body mass index (BMI) is 15.8.
When asked to complete a 24-hour dietary recall, Tiffany states, “I drink coffee for breakfast, eat a low-fat yogurt for lunch, and then eat a head of iceberg lettuce for dinner most days.” She cannot recall the date of her last menstrual period.
Tiffany states, “I used to run five miles every day, but lately I have been too tired to run.” She denies engaging in purging behaviors.
Sara states, “Tiffany does not sit down and eat meals with the rest of us. We have tried everything and cannot get her to eat. My mom has tried talking to her, begging her, and even yelling at her. If Tiffany does eat something besides lettuce, she either goes into the bathroom and vomits or runs ten miles. We are very worried about her and don’t know what to do.”
Reflective Questions
- What symptoms of an eating disorder is Tiffany demonstrating?
- What additional assessments should the nurse plan for Tiffany?
- What findings should the nurse anticipate as a result of a comprehensive assessment?
- What laboratory tests will likely be ordered during this visit?
- What is the primary goal of treatment for Tiffany?
- What type of psychotherapy may be helpful for Tiffany?
- What conditions would indicate a need for hospitalization?
- Tiffany is hospitalized. Create a brief nursing care plan that includes the following:
- A priority nursing diagnosis
- A SMART goal
- Three to five nursing interventions
