Question

A 14-year-old with a 4-month history of intentional weight loss of 15% of her usual weight and a BMI less than the 5th percentile is diagnosed with anorexia nervosa. She is admitted to the hospital for medical stabilization and is unwilling to consume enough food to meet her nutritional needs. A 24-hour calorie count reveals that the patient is consuming a very restricted diet averaging 850 calories daily. Which of the following is the most appropriate nutrition intervention at this time?

1: Peripheral parenteral nutrition
2: High calorie diet with a calorie count
3: Structured meal plan with supplemental enteral feedings
4: Total parenteral nutrition

Answer 1

The most appropriate nutrition intervention for the 14-year-old patient with anorexia nervosa would be Option 3: Structured meal plan with supplemental enteral feedings. This approach focuses on gradually increasing the patient's caloric intake through a structured meal plan that includes all essential nutrients.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most appropriate nutrition intervention for the 14-year-old patient with anorexia nervosa would be Option 3: Structured meal plan with supplemental enteral feedings. This approach focuses on gradually increasing the patient's caloric intake through a structured meal plan that includes all essential nutrients.

Supplemental enteral feedings can be used to ensure the patient receives adequate nutrition if they are unwilling to consume enough food voluntarily. This intervention aims to restore the patient's nutritional needs while providing the necessary support for medical stabilization.