Advanced nurse practitioners’ decision-making in the care of young people with anorexia nervosa: a case study
To refresh your knowledge of the role of the advanced nurse practitioner (ANP) in clinical decision-making
To be aware of the various medical and psychological factors that ANPs need to consider when managing patients with eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa
To recognise some of the tools and frameworks that ANPs can use to assist with decision-making
Clinical decision-making is a vital part of the advanced nurse practitioner’s (ANP) role and involves assessing the patient’s specific needs, using evidence-based practice to identify the most appropriate care plan and monitoring the patient’s response. This article details the role of the ANP in managing people diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, discussing the main features of the condition and the potential decision-making process required by the ANP. The authors use a fictitious case study involving an adolescent with anorexia nervosa to emphasise the complexities involved in managing the condition and the various medical and psychological factors that the ANP needs to consider.
