Assess the patient with bulimia nervosa for electrolyte imbalances that may be induced through vomiting. Check for hart disease related to electrolyte imbalance. Check your patients teeth for enamel erosion, stomach ulcers and esophageal varices.
Provide assistance during meal selection. Help your client select healthy well balanced diets and teach them how to maintain appropriate eating habits. Provide positive feedback for healthy eating habits.
Educate your bulimia nervosa patient about the risks of this eating disorder. Let your patient know about her risk for heart disease such as cardiac dysrhythmias and esophageal tear or stomach rupture. Inform your patient about the benefits of maintaining a healthy diet and exercise habits. Assess your patients weight everyday, at the same time and in the same clothes to determine if your nutritional interventions are working to help your patient reach and maintain a healthy weight.
Encourage your patient to find other avenues for coping with stress. Teach him or her about different ways of coping with stress such as exploration of feelings as well as expression of his or her feelings. Teach him relaxation techniques as well as appropriate use of exercise to cope with stress.