Procedures and Protocols for Weight Assessment During Acute Illness in Individuals With Anorexia Nervosa: A National Survey

J Am Psychiatr Nurses Assoc. 2018 May/Jun;24(3):241-246. doi: 10.1177/1078390317717790. Epub 2017 Jul 28.

Abstract

Background: Weight assessment is a key component of nursing care for individuals with the acute illness of anorexia nervosa (AN). However, there is little data to guide protocols and procedures regarding weight assessment.

Objective: To describe institutional practices regarding weight assessment of individuals during acute illness of AN.

Design: Treatment facilities ( N = 24) completed a survey about written protocols and procedures regarding weight assessment and disclosure of weight to patients.

Results: The majority of facilities ( n = 22; 92%) have written protocols for weight assessment. Weight assessments occurred mostly in the morning ( n = 23; 95.8%), in hospital gowns ( n = 21; 87.5%), and after voiding ( n = 14; 58.3%). Respondents described mixed practices for disclosing weight to patients.

Conclusion: Results indicate widespread variability in weight assessment and disclosure of weight. Further research is necessary to help develop evidence-based guidelines about weighing practices during acute illness for individuals with AN.

Keywords: anorexia nervosa; psychiatric nursing practice; treatment assessment and planning; weight.

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Anorexia Nervosa / nursing*
  • Body Weight
  • Disclosure / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Physical Examination / methods*
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic*
  • Psychiatric Nursing / methods*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires / statistics & numerical data*
  • United States