A school nurse is speaking to the mother of a 16-year-old male adolescent. The mother has concerns about her son. Which of the following statements by the mother should indicate to the nurse that the adolescent is at risk for suicide?

Choice A rationale:

Tremors. Rationale: Tremors can be a withdrawal symptom associated with alcohol withdrawal. These tremors are often referred to as "alcohol shakes" and are a result of the central nervous system adapting to the sudden absence of alcohol.

Choice B rationale:

Insomnia. Rationale: Insomnia is a common withdrawal symptom during alcohol withdrawal. Alcohol disrupts sleep patterns, and when a person stops drinking, their sleep cycle may be disturbed, leading to difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.

Choice C rationale:

Severe hypotension. Rationale: Severe hypotension, or very low blood pressure, is not a prominent withdrawal symptom of alcohol. Alcohol withdrawal can lead to an increase in blood pressure rather than severe hypotension.

Choice D rationale:

Hyperglycemia. Rationale: Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, is not a direct withdrawal symptom of alcohol. However, chronic alcohol use can affect blood sugar regulation over time. During acute withdrawal, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is more common due to altered metabolism.

Choice E rationale:

Visual hallucinations. Rationale: This statement is correct. Visual hallucinations can occur during alcohol withdrawal and are often indicative of a more severe withdrawal syndrome known as delirium tremens (DTs). DTs can include visual hallucinations, confusion, agitation, and autonomic hyperactivity.

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.