Know that bulimia nervosa is a disorder where a person has recurrent episodes of binge eating with an accompanying feeling of lack of control over her eating behavior. The person tries to prevent weight gain by inducing vomiting. She may also fast, use laxatives, diuretics or enemas, or exercise excessively to control her weight.
Know what the possible symptoms include. They may include physical signs, such as sores or callouses on the knuckles, loss of dental enamel, swollen lymph nodes and bad breath. There may be a cessation of menses, dehydration, mouth and throat sores and an irregular heartbeat. Psychological symptoms include depression, anxiety and a negative body image.
Understand the nursing interventions for bulimia nervosa. You may measure a patient's daily weight, intake and output, and serum electrolytes to assess the patient's response to healthier diet. You can help the patient find alternative coping mechanisms for stress and teach the proper use of exercise and the benefits of a healthy diet.