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 D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Sweating is not an adverse effect commonly associated with buspirone (Buspar). While some side effects like dizziness, nausea, and headache might occur, sweating is not typically reported as a significant adverse effect of this medication.
Choice B rationale:
Decreased appetite is a potential adverse effect of buspirone (Buspar). However, it is not the most concerning in this context. Anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder can lead to appetite changes, and while this should be monitored, it is not a priority compared to more severe adverse effects.
Choice C rationale:
Discolored urine is not a common adverse effect of buspirone (Buspar). Buspirone is primarily used to treat anxiety and does not usually cause changes in urine color. This effect is unrelated to the medication and likely has a different underlying cause.
Choice D rationale:
Hallucinations are a concerning adverse effect that should be reported to the provider. Hallucinations are not a typical side effect of buspirone and might indicate a more serious issue or an interaction with other medications. Reporting this symptom promptly is crucial to ensuring the client's safety and well-being.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B. Erotomanic.
Choice A rationale:
Persecution. Persecutory delusions involve the belief that one is being targeted, harmed, or conspired against by others. This choice is not applicable in this scenario because the client is not expressing fear or belief that they are being persecuted.
Choice B rationale:
Erotomanic. Erotomanic delusions involve the false belief that someone, often of higher social status, is in love with the individual. In this case, the client's statement about being engaged to the Prince of England suggests an erotomanic delusion. The client is holding a grandiose belief that they are romantically involved with someone of prominence.
Choice C rationale:
Somatic. Somatic delusions involve the belief that there is something physically wrong with the individual's body. These delusions often manifest as the belief in having an illness or defect that is not actually present. The client's statement does not revolve around physical health or bodily concerns, making somatic delusion an unlikely option.
Choice D rationale:
Control. Control delusions involve the belief that one's thoughts, feelings, or actions are being controlled by external forces. This choice is not applicable in this scenario, as the client's statement does not indicate any perceived loss of control over their thoughts or actions.
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