Caring for the hospitalized patient with an eating disorder

Effective nursing care for hospitalized patients with anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa is based on a comprehensive assessment, including medical and treatment history, mental status, and core eating disorder symptoms. Although most patients with an eating disorder are treated in an outpatient setting, hospitalization is appropriate for patients experiencing severe malnutrition or comorbidity or who are at increased risk for medical instability. Inpatient nursing care is directed at optimizing health status, including focused interventions directed at improving nutrition, cognition, coping, and medical stability.