Which nursing diagnosis is more appropriate for a patient diagnosed with anorexia nervosa who restricts intake and is 20% below normal weight than for a 130-pound patient diagnosed with bulimia nervosa who purges?

A) Powerlessness
B) Ineffective coping
C) Disturbed body image
D) Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements

Anorexia Nervosa

An eating disorder characterized by an obsessive fear of gaining weight and a refusal to maintain a healthy body weight.

Bulimia Nervosa

An eating disorder characterized by binge eating followed by purging behaviors, such as vomiting or excessive exercise, to prevent weight gain.

Imbalanced Nutrition

A state in which nutritional intake does not meet the body’s needs, leading to either undernutrition or overnutrition.