Eating Disorder Case Study by

krystleforemanpurn — 2025-04-22 02:03:46 UTC

Pt is a 15 y.o. F with PMHx anorexia nervosa who p/w severe electrolyte abnormalities: K 3.0mg/dL, Phos 1.5mg/dL and Mg 1.2mg/dL. Per pts parents, pt has been refusing all meals, excessively exercising 5x/week. BMI 13.6.

What would your nutrition recommendations be for this patient?

krystleforemanpurn — 2025-04-22 02:04:26 UTC

Since this patient is experiencing low electrolyte levels I would recommend creating a calorie intake goal and to start small and slowly work their way up. Also if this patient is skipping some meals, maybe we could suggest supplementing the missed meals with nutrient dense shakes like ensure and assign her a registered dietician to combat any food miseducation and help increase her BMI.

What things would you need to look out for when resuming nutrition?

krystleforemanpurn — 2025-04-22 02:04:52 UTC

We would need to look for signs of refeeding syndrome such as a constant imbalance of nutrients, high blood pressure, difficulty breathing , fatigue, confusion, or irregular heartbeat as refeeding syndrome can be fatal and cause sudden cardiac arrest or seizures

What would the next steps be if the patient continues to resume oral nutrition?

krystleforemanpurn — 2025-04-22 02:05:14 UTC

Assigning a behavioral specialist as anorexia nervosa is also mental as well as physical. This patient has a distorted perception of body image and is over exercising and are quicker to relapse

The patient is continuously asking you how much she weighs, how would you respond?

krystleforemanpurn — 2025-04-22 02:06:15 UTC

I would respond by saying that the number on the scale does not represent how healthy we are and that that is the only goal we want to meet together, being healthy.