Why you should read this article:

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To enhance your knowledge of the detrimental effects of eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa

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To better understand why a young person with an eating disorder might refuse treatment

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To find practical advice on how to minimise the distress caused by nasogastric tube feeding under restraint

The number of children and young people admitted to children’s wards with an eating disorder has increased significantly since the start of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. In the most extreme cases, those with severe malnutrition may need to be fed via a nasogastric tube without their consent. Children’s nurses working on hospital wards may therefore care for children and young people who need to receive nasogastric tube feeding under physical restraint. This article offers an overview of eating disorders and their detrimental effects as well as practical advice for children’s nurses, supporting them to provide safe, compassionate and person-centred care to their patients.