A nurse is caring for a client whose partner died five years ago. The nurse recognizes that which of the following findings would indicate that the client is experiencing maladaptive grief?

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.

Choice A rationale:

Current rehabilitation for opiate addiction is not typically associated with Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is primarily linked to chronic alcohol abuse and thiamine deficiency.

Choice B rationale:

A personal history of alcohol use disorder is directly associated with Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. This syndrome is caused by thiamine (Vitamin B1) deficiency, which is commonly seen in individuals who have a history of heavy and chronic alcohol consumption.

Choice C rationale:

Undergoing current treatment for HIV is not a typical factor associated with the development of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. This syndrome's primary cause is thiamine deficiency resulting from alcohol misuse.

Choice D rationale:

Family history of Alzheimer's disease is not a characteristic linked to Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. These two conditions have different etiologies and clinical presentations. Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is caused by thiamine deficiency, while Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder.