When Planning Care for an Adolescent with Anorexia Nervosa

What is the highest priority nursing problem when planning care for an adolescent with anorexia nervosa?

Final answer:

The highest priority nursing problem when caring for an adolescent with anorexia nervosa is malnutrition.

When planning care for an adolescent with anorexia nervosa, the highest priority nursing problem is malnutrition. Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by an irrational fear of weight gain, self-starvation, and excessive weight loss. This leads to severe malnutrition and nutrient deficiencies.

It is crucial to address malnutrition by restoring normal nutritional intake and helping the patient reach a healthy weight range. Monitoring meals and providing a dietitian-guided meal plan are essential steps in the treatment of anorexia nervosa.

Additionally, addressing the patient's distorted body image and perceptions about food is also important in helping them recover from this serious condition.