9
Initial Physical Examination
Statement 6
➤ APA recommends (1C) that the initial physical examination of a patient
with a possible eating disorder include assessment of vital signs,
including temperature, resting heart rate, blood pressure, orthostatic
pulse, and orthostatic blood pressure; height, weight, and body mass
index (BMI) (or percent median BMI, BMI percentile, or BMI Z-score for
children and adolescents); and physical appearance, including signs of
malnutrition or purging behaviors.
Initial Laboratory Assessment
Statement 7
➤ APA recommends (1C) that the laboratory assessment of a patient
with a possible eating disorder include a complete blood count and a
comprehensive metabolic panel, including electrolytes, liver enzymes,
and renal function tests.
