A nurse is assessing a patient with an eating disorder. Which of the following gastrointestinal symptoms would the nurse expect to find?
A.
Gastric emptying.
B.
Constipation and diarrhea.
C.
Abdominal pain and bloating.
D.
Nausea and vomiting.
The Correct answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer: C. Abdominal pain and bloating.
When assessing a patient with an eating disorder, such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa, the nurse would expect to find gastrointestinal symptoms like abdominal pain and bloating. These symptoms are common due to the severe impact that eating disorders have on the digestive system.
Explanation:
Eating disorders, particularly anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, have significant effects on the gastrointestinal (GI) system. The GI tract is highly sensitive to changes in diet, and the behaviors associated with these disorders, such as restrictive eating, binge eating, and purging, can disrupt normal digestive functions.
Abdominal Pain and Bloating:
- Abdominal pain is a common symptom in individuals with eating disorders. This can occur due to several reasons, including delayed gastric emptying, constipation, and gas buildup. The stomach may take longer to empty its contents due to reduced food intake or the body’s adaptive response to prolonged periods of fasting. This delay can cause discomfort and pain as food remains in the stomach longer than normal.
- Bloating is also a frequent complaint. It may result from the buildup of gas in the intestines due to altered digestion or constipation. Individuals with eating disorders often experience irregular bowel movements, which can further contribute to bloating. For example, restrictive eating leads to a slower metabolism and decreased bowel motility, making it difficult for the body to process food efficiently. This results in a sensation of fullness and distension in the abdomen.
Other Symptoms:
- While nausea and vomiting (Option D) can occur, particularly in bulimia nervosa where self-induced vomiting is common, they are not universal symptoms across all eating disorders.
- Constipation and diarrhea (Option B) can also be seen, but they are more secondary to the primary symptoms of abdominal pain and bloating. Constipation is particularly prevalent due to dehydration, malnutrition, and the body’s slowed metabolism.
- Gastric emptying (Option A) itself is not a symptom but rather a physiological process that can be delayed in these patients, contributing to the abdominal discomfort.
In summary, abdominal pain and bloating are the most expected gastrointestinal symptoms when assessing a patient with an eating disorder. These symptoms reflect the disruption of normal digestive processes due to the pathological eating behaviors associated with the disorder. Proper assessment and timely intervention are essential to address these symptoms and prevent further complications.