A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving treatment for alcohol detoxification. Which of the following medications should the nurse expect to administer during this phase of the client's care?

A. Lanugo refers to fine, soft hair that grows on the face, back, and arms as a result of malnutrition. It is more common in anorexia nervosa rather than bulimia nervosa.
B. Muscle wasting is not typically a primary symptom of bulimia.
C. Hypomagnesemia, or low magnesium levels, may occur but is not very characteristic of bulimia nervosa.
D. Hypokalemia, or low levels of potassium in the blood, is a common finding in individuals with bulimia nervosa who engage in purging behaviors such as vomiting or misuse of diuretics. Potassium is crucial for proper muscle and nerve function, and low levels can lead to symptoms such as muscle weakness, fatigue, cardiac arrhythmias, and in severe cases, paralysis.

A. Reaction formation is a defense mechanism where an individual expresses feelings or impulses that are the opposite of their anxiety-provoking unconscious feelings. For example, someone who harbors unconscious aggressive feelings might demonstrate exaggerated friendliness. However, this defense mechanism is more about behaviors and attitudes rather than physical manifestations.
B. Somatization is the conversion of psychological distress into physical symptoms. It involves experiencing physical symptoms, such as pain or illness, without a clear medical cause. This defense mechanism is common in individuals with anxiety disorders who may manifest their anxiety through physical complaints rather than acknowledging their emotional distress.
C. Sublimation involves channeling unacceptable impulses or emotions into socially acceptable behaviors. It does not typically involve physical manifestations but rather a redirection of emotions or impulses into constructive activities. For example, someone with aggressive impulses might channel them into sports or artistic pursuits.
D. Intellectualization is a defense mechanism where reasoning and logic are used to distance oneself from uncomfortable or threatening feelings. It involves focusing on facts and avoiding emotions associated with a situation. This mechanism is more cognitive and may involve discussing or analyzing anxiety-inducing situations in a detached, rational manner.