A nurse is collecting data from a female client who has bulimia nervosa.
Which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect?
Increased potassium level.
Increased number of dental caries.
Increased bleeding with menstruation.
Increased blood pressure.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Clients with bulimia nervosa are at risk for hypokalemia (decreased potassium level) due to recurrent vomiting or misuse of laxatives or diuretics, which can lead to significant electrolyte imbalances. Normal serum potassium levels range from 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L.
Choice B rationale
An increased number of dental caries is a common manifestation in clients with bulimia nervosa. The stomach acid brought up during frequent vomiting erodes tooth enamel, making the teeth more susceptible to decay and the formation of cavities.
Choice C rationale
Bulimia nervosa is not typically associated with increased bleeding during menstruation (menorrhagia). Menstrual irregularities, including amenorrhea (absence of menstruation), can occur due to hormonal imbalances related to eating disorders and weight fluctuations.
Choice D rationale
Blood pressure can vary in individuals with bulimia nervosa. While dehydration from purging behaviors might initially cause low blood pressure, compensatory mechanisms or anxiety related to the disorder could also lead to normal or even elevated blood pressure in some cases.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Repeated school absences are a common finding in conduct disorder and indicate a disregard for rules and obligations. While important to address, it does not represent an immediate safety risk compared to threats of harm.
Choice B rationale
Threats of injury to others indicate a potential for violence and pose an immediate safety risk to others. This requires the nurse's immediate attention to assess the situation, ensure safety, and implement appropriate interventions to prevent harm.
Choice C rationale
Lack of empathy for others is a core characteristic of conduct disorder, reflecting a difficulty in understanding or sharing the feelings of others. While significant for long-term management, it does not present an immediate safety concern.
Choice D rationale
A history of shoplifting indicates a pattern of rule-breaking and disregard for the rights of others, which is characteristic of conduct disorder. However, it does not represent an immediate threat of harm compared to threats of injury.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Liver function tests, such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) with a normal range of 7 to 56 U/L for females and 10 to 70 U/L for males, and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) with a normal range of 5 to 40 U/L for both sexes, should be reviewed before administering valproic acid. Valproic acid can cause hepatotoxicity, and pre-existing liver dysfunction is a contraindication or requires careful monitoring.
Choice B rationale
A chest x-ray is primarily used to assess the lungs and heart. It is not directly relevant to the potential side effects or contraindications of valproic acid therapy.
Choice C rationale
A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is used to screen for prostate cancer in men. It is not related to the potential adverse effects of valproic acid. The normal range for PSA is generally less than 4 ng/mL, but this can vary with age.
Choice D rationale
A urine culture is used to detect urinary tract infections. While important for overall health assessment, it does not directly assess for contraindications or potential organ-specific side effects associated with valproic acid administration. .
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