The nurse is reviewing the client's prescriptions.

Exhibits

For each body system below, click to highlight the findings that indicate a serious adverse reaction. To deselect a finding, click on the finding again. Each body system may support more than 1 potential assessment finding.

Body Systems	Findings
Head, Eyes, Ears, Nose, and Throat (HEENT)	Yellowing of the eyes Blurred vision Dry eyes
Gastrointestinal	Abdominal pain Hard stool
Hematologic	Increased bruising Increased bleeding tendency Insomnia
Genitourinary	Red/orange tint to urine Darkening of the urine

Condition Most Likely Experiencing:

The client's admission to the behavioral health unit for prolonged weight loss and refusal to eat suggests a significant disordered eating pattern. The client's weight of 37.2 kg (82 lb) and BMI of 15 fall significantly below the healthy range for their height, indicating severe underweight status characteristic of anorexia nervosa. The client's behaviors during meal times, such as pushing food around the plate, eating only a small percentage of meals and snacks, and expressing anxiety about eating in front of others, are consistent with the restrictive eating patterns and fear of weight gain seen in anorexia nervosa.

Physical signs such as dry and flaky skin, dry and chapped lips, thin and dull hair, dry buccal mucosa, diminished bowel sounds, swollen and bloated abdomen, and lanugo (fine, downy hair) are commonly associated with anorexia nervosa due to malnutrition and starvation. The client's reported feelings of depression, initiation of dieting due to feeling fat compared to others, and cessation of menstrual cycles for the past 3 months are all indicative of the psychological and emotional distress often seen in individuals with anorexia nervosa.

Actions to take:

Clients with anorexia nervosa often benefit from a structured meal plan to promote regular eating habits and prevent skipping meals.

Focusing on the client’s underlying feelings of dysphoria and lack of control can help the client develop a more positive self-image and cope with emotional stressors that may trigger their eating disorder.

Parameters to monitor:

Monitoring weight is essential in assessing nutritional status and tracking changes in body composition, especially in clients with anorexia nervosa who may experience rapid weight loss.

Cardiac function with ECG can help the nurse detect any signs of cardiac arrhythmias, bradycardia, hypotension, or electrolyte imbalances that may result from severe malnutrition and dehydration.

The presence of more frequent headaches and difficulty sleeping, coupled with a significant increase in blood pressure (BP 169/91 mm Hg), could suggest potential adverse effects of the medication phenelzine, which is known to cause headaches and hypertensive reactions. It is crucial for the nurse to monitor these symptoms closely, as they may require medical attention and could indicate the need for an adjustment in the client's treatment plan. The client's vital signs should be regularly monitored, and any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider promptly to ensure the client's safety and well-being.