A nurse is assessing a client who has a new diagnosis of anorexia nervosa. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Rationale for Choice A:

Pacing can be a physical manifestation of anxiety. It allows individuals to release some of the nervous energy that builds up during anxious moments. Restricting this behavior can potentially escalate anxiety.

Walking with the client can provide a sense of safety and support. It demonstrates to the client that they are not alone in their anxiety and that the nurse is there to help them.

Gradually slowing the pace of the walk can help to regulate the client's breathing and heart rate. This can have a calming effect on both the body and mind.

Walking can also be a form of distraction. It can help to take the client's mind off of their worries and focus on the present moment.

Walking can help to release endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. This can help to counteract some of the negative emotions associated with anxiety.

Rationale for Choice B:

Escorting the client to their room may be perceived as restrictive and controlling. This could potentially increase the client's anxiety.

Removing the client from the public area of the unit may isolate them from other people and activities. This could make them feel more alone and anxious.

Rationale for Choice C:

Allowing the client to pace alone may not be safe. The client could potentially become agitated or injure themselves.

Pacing alone does not provide the client with any support or guidance. This could make it more difficult for them to manage their anxiety.

Rationale for Choice D:

Instructing the client to sit down and stop pacing may be perceived as dismissive and unhelpful. It does not address the underlying causes of the client's anxiety.

Forcing the client to stop pacing could potentially escalate their anxiety. This could lead to agitation, aggression, or other negative behaviors.

Choice A rationale: Brittle and thin hair is a common physical manifestation of anorexia nervosa. This is due to malnutrition, which affects the health and quality of hair.

Choice B rationale: The presence of soft, unpigmented hair on the arms (and other parts of the body) is known as lanugo.

It’s a type of fine hair that the body produces in response to severe malnutrition, often seen in cases of anorexia nervosa.

The body grows lanugo in an attempt to provide insulation and maintain body heat, due to the loss of insulating body fat.

Choice C rationale: Individuals with anorexia nervosa typically have a distorted body image and often perceive themselves as overweight, even when they are underweight.

Therefore, it’s unlikely for them to comment that they are too thin and need to gain weight.

Choice D rationale: Preoccupation with thoughts about food is a common psychological symptom of anorexia nervosa. Individuals with this disorder often spend a lot of time thinking about food, dieting, and body weight.

Choice E rationale: Feeling “too tired” and lacking interest in daily workouts can be a result of the physical exhaustion and weakness caused by severe calorie restriction and malnutrition in anorexia nervosa.

Choice F rationale: The client’s report of consuming around 600 calories per day is not provided in the question. Therefore, it cannot be evaluated.

In conclusion, the nurse should expect to find brittle and thin hair, soft unpigmented hair on the arms, preoccupation with thoughts about food, and lack of energy or interest in daily activities in a client with anorexia nervosa.