A nurse is collecting data from a client who has bulimia nervosa. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Lanugo
Muscle wasting
Hypomagnesemia
Hypokalemia
The Correct Answer is D
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D","E"]
Explanation
A. Lanugo refers to fine, soft hair that can develop on the face, back, and other parts of the body in response to malnutrition and low body fat. It is a compensatory mechanism to help regulate body temperature in individuals with severe weight loss, including those with anorexia nervosa. Therefore, the nurse should expect to find lanugo in a client with anorexia nervosa.
B. Cold extremities are a common finding in individuals with anorexia nervosa due to reduced body fat and poor circulation. The body's natural response to conserve heat is impaired when body fat is extremely low. Therefore, cold extremities are expected in clients with anorexia nervosa.
C. Hypotension, or low blood pressure, can occur in individuals with anorexia nervosa due to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances (such as low potassium levels), and reduced cardiac output. These conditions are often associated with severe malnutrition and can lead to cardiovascular complications. Therefore, hypotension is a potential finding in clients with anorexia nervosa.
D. Tooth erosion can result from frequent vomiting, which is a behavior sometimes seen in individuals with anorexia nervosa, particularly those with purging subtype (anorexia nervosa binge-eating/purging type). Stomach acid from vomiting can damage tooth enamel over time, leading to tooth erosion. Therefore, the nurse should expect to find tooth erosion in clients who engage in purging behaviors.
E. Diarrhea is less commonly associated with anorexia nervosa. Individuals with anorexia nervosa typically have reduced food intake, which can lead to constipation rather than diarrhea. However, in some cases, diarrhea can occur due to malnutrition-related changes in bowel function. It is not a consistent finding but can occasionally be observed.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Keeping staff interactions to a minimum may not be beneficial as the client might require regular monitoring and interaction to assess their condition and needs.
B. When a client is restrained, it's crucial to prevent complications such as muscle stiffness and joint contractures. Range-of-motion exercises help maintain circulation, prevent discomfort, and preserve joint mobility. However, this is not the most important action.
C. Restraints should only be used when absolutely necessary and prescribed by a provider. In many jurisdictions and healthcare facilities, the use of restraints requires a specific order that must be renewed periodically (often every 24 hours). This practice ensures that the need for restraints is continually reassessed and that they are not used longer than necessary.
D. Accurate and frequent documentation is essential when a client is restrained. Documentation should include the client's behavior, physical assessments, interventions provided (such as medication administration or hygiene care), and responses to interventions. However, this is not the most important action.
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