When caring for a patient with anorexia and cachexia, which principle guides the approach?

• A. Treatment of anorexia emphasizes addressing symptoms.
• B. Mealtimes have cultural meaning for patients and families.
• C. Cachexia is most commonly associated with acute illnesses.
• D. Research does not support the use of appetite stimulants.

Answer: (A)

Prioritize symptom relief and comfort when caring for patients with anorexia and cachexia. In many chronic or advanced illnesses, weight loss and loss of appetite can be persistent and difficult to reverse, so the care focus shifts from trying to restore weight to reducing distress from eating, managing nausea, fullness, taste changes, and fatigue, and aligning nutrition with what the patient can tolerate and what matters to them. Cultural meaning of mealtimes and the notion that cachexia only accompanies acute illness are considerations, but they don’t drive the approach as strongly as prioritizing comfort and quality of life. Appetite stimulants may be part of some plans, but decisions should align with the patient’s goals of care rather than assuming a universal solution.