A 14-year-old client is brought to the clinic by her mother. Her mother expresses concern about her daughter’s weight loss and constant dieting.
Nurse Kris conducts a health history interview. Which of the following comments indicates that the client may be suffering from anorexia nervosa?
- a. "I like the way I look. I just need to keep my weight down because I’m a cheerleader."
- b. "I don’t like the food my mother cooks. I eat plenty of fast food when I’m out with my friends."
- c. "I just can’t seem to get down to the weight I want to be. I’m so fat compared to other girls."
- d. "I do diet around my periods; otherwise, I just get so bloated."
Answer C.
Low self-esteem is the highest risk factor for anorexia nervosa. Constant dieting to get down to a "desirable weight" is characteristic of the disorder. Feeling inadequate when compared to peers indicates poor self-esteem. Most clients with anorexia nervosa don’t like the way they look, and their self-perception may be distorted. A girl with cachexia may perceive herself to be overweight when she looks in the mirror. Preferring fast food over healthy food is common in this age-group. Because of the absence of body fat necessary for proper hormone production, amenorrhea is common in a client with anorexia nervosa.The comment that indicates the client may be suffering from anorexia nervosa is:
c. "I just can’t seem to get down to the weight I want to be. I’m so fat compared to other girls."
Here's why:
- Focus on weight and negative body image:
This statement expresses dissatisfaction with current weight and an unrealistic desire for further weight loss, suggesting a preoccupation with weight and a distorted body image.
- Comparison with others:
Comparing oneself negatively to others' bodies is a common symptom of anorexia, indicating envy and low self-esteem related to body image.
- Lack of self-awareness:
Claiming to be "fat" despite visible weight loss reflects a distorted perception of their body size and a denial of the severity of their situation.
Other Options:
While the other options might raise concerns about eating habits or body image, they lack the specific indicators of anorexia nervosa:
- a: Expresses positive self-image and focuses on fitness, not necessarily unhealthy weight loss.
- b: Suggests dietary preference and fast food consumption, not necessarily restriction or fear of weight gain.
- d: Describes premenstrual dieting for symptom management, not necessarily indicative of an eating disorder.
Therefore, option c is the most likely indication of anorexia nervosa based on the specific characteristics it presents.
Remember, this is just one piece of information. A comprehensive assessment by a qualified healthcare professional is necessary to diagnose anorexia nervosa.
