Pitfalls
- Patient with eating disorders can appear deceptively well, and often try to conceal their eating behaviours or underplay the severity of their condition.
- Patients may try to falsify their weight by drinking excess water or having heavy items in pockets.
- It is important to do a cardiovascular examination with a patient in a relaxed state. A low heart rate on examination may drop even further.
- Daily electrolyte monitoring is needed when refeeding is started, to monitor for refeeding syndrome.
- There is a high correlation of eating disorders with abuse or neglect. Don’t be afraid to ask about home life or any other worries.
