Question

A teenage female client is admitted to the adolescent unit of the psychiatric hospital for observation, diagnosis, and treatment of possible anorexia nervosa. She is 65 inches tall and weighs 85 pounds. On admission, she tells the nurse, "I don't know why my parents admitted me. I'm just trying to lose enough weight to say on the gymnastic team." Which is the priority nursing diagnosis?

A.) Anxiety
B.) Altered growth and development
C.) Altered nutrition, less than body requirements
D.) Self-esteem disturbance

Answer 1

The priority nursing diagnosis is Altered Nutrition, less than body requirements.

Step-by-step explanation:

The priority nursing diagnosis in this case is C) Altered nutrition, less than body requirements. The teenage female client who is admitted to the psychiatric hospital for possible anorexia nervosa is at high risk for altered nutrition due to her low weight and the extreme caloric restriction associated with the eating disorder. This diagnosis takes priority because without addressing and treating the malnutrition, the client's health will continue to deteriorate, leading to serious complications.