A patient being admitted to the eating-disorder unit has a yellow cast to the skin and fine, downy hair over the trunk. The patient weighs 70 pounds; height is 5'4". The patient says, "I won't eat until I look thin." Select the priority initial nursing diagnosis.
A) Anxiety related to fear of weight gain
B) Disturbed body image related to weight loss
C) Ineffective coping related to lack of conflict resolution skills
D) Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements related to self-starvation

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The physical assessment shows cachexia, which indicates imbalanced nutrition. Addressing the patient's self-starvation is the priority.

A Patient Being Admitted to the Eating-Disorder Unit Has a Yellow