Body Image Nursing Care Plan

Assessment

• Patient’s perception of body image: How does the patient perceive their body size and shape? Are they satisfied or dissatisfied with their appearance?
• Patient’s history of body image concerns: Has the patient struggled with body image issues in the past? What factors have contributed to these concerns?
• Patient’s current coping mechanisms: How does the patient currently cope with body image concerns? Are these coping mechanisms healthy or unhealthy?
• Physical examination: Focus on the patient’s weight, height, and body mass index (BMI). Also note any signs of body dysmorphic disorder, such as excessive grooming, skin picking, or muscle dysmorphia.

Diagnosis

• Disturbed body image
• Body dysmorphic disorder

Goals

• The patient will develop a more positive body image.
• The patient will develop healthy coping mechanisms for dealing with body image concerns.
• The patient will reduce or eliminate symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder.

Interventions

Nursing interventions:

• Provide the patient with education about body image: This includes information about normal body weight and shape, the impact of media on body image, and the importance of self-acceptance.
• Encourage the patient to challenge their negative body image beliefs: Help the patient to identify and challenge the negative thoughts and beliefs they have about their body. Encourage them to replace these thoughts with more positive ones.
• Help the patient develop healthy coping mechanisms: Teach the patient coping mechanisms for dealing with body image concerns, such as relaxation techniques, deep breathing, and positive self-talk.
• Refer the patient to a mental health professional if necessary: If the patient is struggling with severe body image concerns or symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder, refer them to a mental health professional for further evaluation and treatment.

Collaboration with other healthcare professionals:

• Dietitian: The dietitian can provide the patient with nutrition counseling and help them develop a healthy eating plan.
• Physical therapist: The physical therapist can help the patient develop an exercise program and improve their body image.
• Psychiatrist: The psychiatrist can provide the patient with medication and psychotherapy to treat body dysmorphic disorder.

Evaluation

The patient’s progress will be evaluated on an ongoing basis. The following outcomes will be monitored:

• The patient’s perception of body image
• The patient’s satisfaction with their appearance
• The patient’s use of healthy coping mechanisms
• The patient’s symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder

The nurse will work with the patient to make any necessary adjustments to the care plan.