A school nurse is performing annual height and weight screening. The nurse notes that three females who are close friends each lost 15 pounds over the past year. The priority nursing action is to:

Question

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The priority nursing action is to obtain a nutritional history for each of these adolescents to assess the possibility of unhealthy weight loss methods or underlying medical or psychological conditions. Referring them to the school psychologist or speaking with them in a group about anorexia nervosa without a proper assessment would not be appropriate. Calling the respective parents before assessing the situation may not help to maintain the girls’ confidentiality, and therefore, obtaining a nutritional history is the best choice.

A School Nurse Is Performing Annual Height and Weight Screening