A nurse is assessing an adolescent female client who has anorexia nervosa. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Metrorrhagia.
Tachycardia.
Hyperkalemia.
Constipation.
The Correct Answer is D
The correct answer is Choice D
Choice A rationale: Metrorrhagia, or irregular uterine bleeding, is not typically associated with anorexia nervosa. Instead, amenorrhea is more common due to hypothalamic suppression from low body fat and caloric intake. The hypothalamus reduces gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), leading to decreased luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which suppresses ovulation and menstruation. Estrogen levels fall below normal (typically 30–400 pg/mL), disrupting endometrial stability. Thus, bleeding is less likely than complete menstrual cessation.
Choice B rationale: Tachycardia is not expected in anorexia nervosa; bradycardia is more common due to metabolic adaptation and reduced cardiac workload. The body conserves energy by lowering heart rate, often below 60 bpm. Malnutrition leads to decreased thyroid hormone (T3), reduced sympathetic tone, and myocardial atrophy. Electrolyte imbalances and hypovolemia further depress cardiac output. Tachycardia may occur in refeeding syndrome or acute stress, but chronically, the heart rate is typically slow due to adaptive mechanisms.
Choice C rationale: Hyperkalemia is rare in anorexia nervosa; hypokalemia is far more common due to purging behaviors, vomiting, and diuretic or laxative abuse. Potassium levels often fall below the normal range of 3.5–5.0 mEq/L. Losses through the gastrointestinal tract and renal excretion lead to muscle weakness, arrhythmias, and fatigue. Intracellular shifts during starvation also contribute to low serum potassium. Hyperkalemia may occur transiently during tissue breakdown or renal failure but is not a hallmark finding.
Choice D rationale: Constipation is a frequent finding in anorexia nervosa due to decreased caloric intake, slowed gastrointestinal motility, and reduced fiber consumption. Starvation suppresses parasympathetic activity, leading to delayed colonic transit. Electrolyte imbalances, especially hypokalemia, further impair smooth muscle contraction. Normal bowel frequency ranges from three times per week to three times per day; anorexic clients often fall below this due to systemic hypometabolism. Constipation may also be exacerbated by dehydration and laxative dependence.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Praying and using relaxation techniques when experiencing rapid breathing are effective stress management strategies. These techniques help manage the body's stress response and promote relaxation.
Choice B rationale:
Journaling is a constructive way to manage stress, especially when verbal expression is difficult. It allows individuals to reflect on their thoughts and emotions, leading to a sense of relief.
Choice C rationale:
"Fixing a pot of coffee" when anxious is the least effective technique mentioned. Consuming large amounts of caffeine can exacerbate anxiety symptoms by increasing heart rate and contributing to a sense of restlessness and nervousness.
Choice D rationale:
Engaging in physical exercise when experiencing tension in the neck is a productive strategy. Exercise promotes the release of endorphins, which are natural mood lifters and stress reducers.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice D: Continuous worry about the undiagnosed presence of an illness.
Choice A rationale:
Sudden unexplained loss of peripheral sensation is not typically associated with illness anxiety disorder. This symptom may be indicative of a neurological condition and would require further medical evaluation to determine the cause.
Choice B rationale:
Obsession over a fictitious defect in physical appearance is more characteristic of body dysmorphic disorder, not illness anxiety disorder. Individuals with body dysmorphic disorder are preoccupied with one or more perceived defects or flaws in their physical appearance, which are not observable or appear slight to others.
Choice C rationale:
Having prior physical health followed by the need for two surgeries within the last three months does not necessarily indicate illness anxiety disorder. This choice does not provide enough context to link it to illness anxiety disorder, as it could be related to many other health conditions.
Choice D rationale:
Continuous worry about the undiagnosed presence of an illness is a key finding in illness anxiety disorder. Individuals with this disorder are excessively concerned with and preoccupied by the belief that they have, or are in danger of developing, a serious undiagnosed illness despite medical reassurance.
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