Bulimia – Signs and Symptoms 2 Nursing Mnemonic (WASHED)

WASHED

• W-Weight loss of 15% of original body weight
• A-Amenorrhea
• S-Social withdrawal
• H-History of high activity and achievement
• E-Electrolyte imbalance
• D-Depression / Distorted Body Image

Description

Bulimia is an eating disorder characterized by binging and purging. Patients may go through periods of excessive eating and then try to purge be inducing vomiting, taking laxatives or diuretics, or going through periods of fasting. Because they can be malnourished, they may look “Washed out”