Anorexia nervosa physical examination

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Physical Examination[edit | edit source]

Appearance of the patient[edit | edit source]

• Extreme weight loss
• Stunted growth
• Body mass index less than 17.5 in adults, or 85% of expected weight in children

Vital Signs[edit | edit source]

Temperature[edit | edit source]

• Hypothermia

Pulse[edit | edit source]

Rate[edit | edit source]

• Bradycardia

Blood Pressure[edit | edit source]

• Hypotension

Skin[edit | edit source]

• Growth of lanugo hair over the body
• Dry skin
• Possibly with pallid complexion

Eyes[edit | edit source]

• Sunken eyes

Extremities[edit | edit source]

• Creaking joints and bones
• Collection of fluid in ankles during the day and around eyes during the night
• Nails become more brittle
• Tooth decay
• Very dry/chapped lips due to malnutrition

Miscellaneous[edit | edit source]

Behavioral[edit | edit source]

• Excessive exercise, food restriction
• Fainting
• Secretive about eating or exercise behavior
• Possible self-harm, substance abuse or suicide attempts
• Very sensitive to references about body weight
• Become very aggressive when forced to eat "forbidden" foods

References[edit | edit source]

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