Final answer:
When interacting with an adolescent with anorexia nervosa, a nurse should focus on encouraging a healthy intake of food while providing empathetic, professional care. Furthermore, anorexia involves eating very little, whereas bulimia leads to electrolyte imbalance and binge eating disorder increases the risk of type 2 diabetes. Kwashiorkor in children is identified by a distended abdomen due to protein deficiency.
Step-by-step explanation:
The action a nurse should take when interacting with an adolescent client who has anorexia nervosa is to focus on a healthy intake. Nurses must encourage positive behaviors related to eating and body image while adhering to strict treatment guidelines designed to restore health. Maintaining constant contact may be necessary at times to ensure the safety of the client, but the interaction needs to always steer towards encouraging healthier eating practices. It is crucial to provide care that is empathetic and professional, avoiding any actions that may inadvertently encourage disordered eating behaviors.
Eating Disorders and Their Characteristics
- People with anorexia nervosa typically eat very little and are preoccupied with a fear of gaining weight.
- People with bulimia nervosa often develop an electrolyte imbalance due to cycles of binging and purging.
- People with binge eating disorder are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes due to uncontrolled eating habits.
Undernutrition Syndromes
Distended abdomen in undernourished children is more likely indicative of kwashiorkor, which is characterized by protein deficiency. In contrast, marasmus is associated with overall caloric insufficiency. The swollen belly is caused by edema and an enlarged liver resulting from the lack of protein.