Medical-Surgical Nursing, 13th
American Edition by Donnelly
Anorexia
Simple anorexia, or lack of appetite, is a common
symptom of many diseases.Prolonged anorexia may lead
to serious consequences, such as malnutrition.
Anorexia: Pathy & Etiology
,The appetite center, which stimulates or suppresses the
appetite, is located in the hypothalamus. Pleasant or
noxious food odors, effects of drugs, emotional stress,
fear, psychological problems, or illnesses may affect
appetite.
Anorexia Signs and Symptoms
hunger is absent, no desire for food, feel nauseous when
they smell food or even think about eating, some eat small
amount only because they feel they should or others
coerce them, weight loss, hypovitaminosis (vitamin
deficiency)
Anorexia Diagnostic Findings
,hemoglobin, blood cell counts, RBC's may become
enlarged, serum albumin, electrolyte and protein levels
may be low, cardiac dysrhythmias (elevated U wave)
Anorexia Medical and Surgical Management
depends on cause, short-term (<1 wk) usually requires no
medical intervention, persistent may require various
approaches such as high-calorie diet, high-calorie
supplemental feedings, tube feedings, TPN, psychological
support, psychiatric treatment
Anorexia Nursing Management
To maintain sufficient nutrition and sustain normal body
weight, the client must eat an adequate quantity of food.
In assisting the client to meet this goal, the nurse monitors
their weight daily. They also obtain a complete medical
, and allergy (drugs and food) history from the client or a
family member and compiles a dietary history, including
a description of the client's eating patterns and food
preferences
Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are common and often coexisting
problems. If these symptoms are prolonged, weakness,
weight loss, nutritional deficiency, dehydration, and
electrolyte and acid-base imbalances may result.
Cancer of the Oral Cavity and Pharynx
cancer cells undergo changes in structure and appearance,
they multiply, eventually forming a colony of abnormal
and dysfunctional cells, when cancer affects the oral
cavity, cells in the lips, mouth or pharynx undergo