Pathophysiology of Anorexia Nervosa - Essay Example

"Pathophysiology of Anorexia Nervosa" is a perfect example of a paper on food and nutrition. The abnormalities of the endocrine are common in anorexia nervosa, and they include high secretion levels of cortisol. The levels of thyroxin (T4) and triiodothyronine(T3) get low, and the levels of gonadal hormones reduce. The menses stop, although this may not be a diagnostic criterion. There is typically a reduction in bone mass. Anorexia Nervosa's physical signs and symptoms have a relation to starvation (Monteleone et al., 2018). People may be so emotional and may portray behavioral concerns that entail an unrealistic perception of body weight. They develop a fear of getting fat. There may be insomnia cases, fatigue, and the absence of menstruation. The risk factors are genetics, transition, which may bring emotional stress, dieting, and starvation.

2. Identify 2 nursing diagnoses: 1 physical and 1 psychosocial. Provide 1 correlating nursing intervention for each. Briefly explain the rationale for these diagnoses.
The psychosocial diagnosis is the observation of the affected having a fear of food intake. There is a constant loss of hair or even an increase in hair growth. Insomnia is another nursing diagnosis, and the patient experiencing anorexia is very nervous. The patients are irritable and have frequent fears of getting asleep (Monteleone et al., 2018). Supervision of the patient during mealtimes and for a particular period helps avert the anorexia situation. The doctor needs to identify the risks of laxative drugs and diuretic abuse of the patient. The provision of smaller meals helps lower the increased fear of food intake.
3. Research pharmacological interventions and identify at least two different medications used to treat the condition/disease process. Describe which the class of the medication, how each medication works, possible side effects, and important nursing considerations/teachings.
Pharmacological treatment aims at producing weight gain and enhances the quality of life among people with anorexia. Through this, there is a reduction of comorbidities like anxiety, obsessive-compulsive characteristics, and depression. Antidepressants like citalopram will help in treating anorexia nervosa (Monteleone et al., 2018). Antipsychotic drugs like pimozide also help in alienating the anorexia condition. Citalopram may lead to a stuffy nose and sore throat. Pimozide causes blurred vision and dry mouth when used for an extended period.
4. Research one non-pharmacological intervention that may be used in the treatment or prevention of the condition/disease process. Describe how the intervention is implemented and any important teachings for the patient and family.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps avert the situation with the main aim of normalizing the eating patterns and comportments to ensure weight gain. The person changes the distorted beliefs and thoughts that lead to restrictive eating. Family-based therapy helps teenagers in recovering from anorexia (Monteleone et al., 2018). The therapy mobilizes the parents in adapting to the re-feeding and weight restoration program until the child makes choices on health.
5. Identify one question the patient and/or family may have about the condition/disease process and how you, the nurse, could address it.
What are the coping strategies and the emotional support that people with anorexia should have?