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.

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Attempting to talk the client down is the priority action in this situation. Agitation can escalate to aggression or violence if not addressed appropriately. Engaging in therapeutic communication can help de-escalate the client's agitation, express understanding, and potentially find out the underlying cause of their distress. This approach prioritizes a non-pharmacological intervention.

Choice B rationale:

Administer a PRN antianxiety medication. While medication might be a consideration for managing agitation, it's generally not the first action to take. Non-pharmacological interventions, like therapeutic communication, should be attempted first to minimize the reliance on medications to manage behaviors.

Choice C rationale:

Place the client in a monitored seclusion room until he is calm. Placing a client in seclusion should be a last resort and should only be done when there's an immediate risk of harm to the client or others. In this scenario, the client's agitation doesn't seem to present an imminent danger, so seclusion would be an excessive and restrictive intervention.

Choice D rationale:

Restrain the client to prevent injury to himself or others. Restraint should be an absolute last resort and only used when there's an imminent risk of harm that cannot be managed in any other way. Restraint can escalate agitation and trauma for the client, as well as pose legal and ethical concerns. Therefore, it should only be used when all other options have been exhausted and safety is a critical concern.

A. A child who has a BMI indicating obesity. B. A child who uses the call light frequently. C. A child who has frequent visitors. D. A child whose parents answer questions for the child.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The correct answer is choice D. A child whose parents answer questions for the child.

Choice A rationale:A child with a BMI indicating obesity is not necessarily a sign of abuse. Obesity can result from various factors, including genetics, diet, and lifestyle. While it is important to address obesity for the child’s health, it does not directly indicate abuse.

Choice B rationale:A child who uses the call light frequently may be seeking attention or reassurance, but this behavior alone does not indicate abuse. Frequent use of the call light can be due to anxiety, fear, or a need for comfort, which can be addressed through appropriate nursing care and support.

Choice C rationale:A child who has frequent visitors is generally seen as having a strong support system. Frequent visits from family and friends usually indicate that the child is well-cared for and loved. This is not typically a sign of abuse.

Choice D rationale:A child whose parents answer questions for the child can be a red flag for abuse. This behavior may indicate that the parents are controlling and do not allow the child to speak for themselves, which can be a sign of emotional or psychological abuse. It is important for healthcare providers to observe interactions between the child and parents and assess for any signs of coercion or control.

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A nurse is assessing an adolescent female client who has anorexia nervosa. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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