(Question from external source) Which of the following is a common pathophysiological change associated with eating disorders?
Increased levels of cortisol and thyroid hormones.
Decreased levels of growth hormone and insulin.
Altered levels of leptin and ghrelin.
Elevated levels of sex hormones and growth hormone.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Increased levels of cortisol and thyroid hormones. While stress-induced changes in cortisol levels can be seen in individuals with eating disorders, they are not the primary pathophysiological changes associated with these disorders. Cortisol plays a role in the body's response to stress and can contribute to weight gain, but altered levels of other hormones have a more direct impact on eating behaviors in individuals with eating disorders.
Choice B rationale:
Decreased levels of growth hormone and insulin. Growth hormone and insulin do play a role in metabolism and growth, but their levels are not commonly altered in eating disorders in the same way that hormones like leptin and ghrelin are. Altered levels of growth hormone and insulin can lead to metabolic disturbances, but these are not the hallmark changes seen in individuals with eating disorders.
Choice C rationale:
Altered levels of leptin and ghrelin. This is the correct choice. Leptin and ghrelin are two hormones that play a significant role in regulating hunger and satiety. Leptin, produced by adipose tissue, signals to the brain when energy stores are sufficient, thereby reducing appetite. Ghrelin, produced by the stomach, stimulates appetite and promotes food intake. In individuals with eating disorders, these hormones can become dysregulated, leading to disrupted hunger and fullness cues, and contributing to the development and maintenance of the disorder.
Choice D rationale:
Elevated levels of sex hormones and growth hormone. Elevated levels of sex hormones are not a primary pathophysiological change associated with eating disorders. Growth hormone, while important for growth and metabolism, is not a central player in the hormonal changes that drive eating disorder behaviors. Leptin and ghrelin are more directly involved in the dysregulation of eating behaviors seen in these disorders.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]
Explanation
The correct answer is a. Recurrent episodes of binge eating, b. Inappropriate compensatory behaviors to prevent weight gain, c. Normal or slightly above normal body weight, d. Sense of lack of control over eating.
Choice A rationale:
Recurrent episodes of binge eating are a key diagnostic criterion for bulimia nervosa. This involves consuming a large amount of food in a short period while feeling a lack of control over eating.
Choice B rationale:
Inappropriate compensatory behaviors, such as self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives, fasting, or excessive exercise, are used to prevent weight gain and are essential for diagnosing bulimia nervosa.
Choice C rationale:
Individuals with bulimia nervosa often maintain a normal or slightly above normal body weight, which can make the disorder less noticeable compared to anorexia nervosa.
Choice D rationale:
A sense of lack of control over eating during binge episodes is a critical feature of bulimia nervosa.
Choice E rationale:
Acknowledgment of the problem is not a diagnostic criterion for bulimia nervosa. Many individuals with bulimia may not recognize or admit they have a problem.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Stabilizing the patient's physical condition. This is the correct choice. In the treatment of anorexia nervosa, it is crucial to address the medical complications that arise from severe malnutrition and weight loss. Refeeding and restoring the patient's nutritional status are top priorities to prevent further health deterioration. This often requires a structured refeeding plan and medical monitoring to ensure gradual weight gain and avoid refeeding syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition that can occur when nutrients are reintroduced too rapidly.
Choice B rationale:
Addressing the psychological aspects of the disorder. Addressing the psychological aspects of anorexia nervosa is indeed an essential component of treatment, but it usually comes after stabilizing the patient's physical condition. The distorted body image, fear of weight gain, and other psychological factors need to be addressed in therapy and counseling during the recovery process. However, attempting to address these psychological aspects before stabilizing the patient's physical health can be challenging and less effective.
Choice C rationale:
Preventing relapse and maintaining recovery. Preventing relapse and maintaining recovery are important treatment goals in the long-term management of anorexia nervosa. However, these goals typically come into play once the patient's physical condition has been stabilized and nutritional rehabilitation has been initiated. Long-term therapy, support groups, and follow-up care are crucial to prevent relapse and maintain progress.
Choice D rationale:
Providing ongoing follow-up care. Providing ongoing follow-up care is indeed a necessary aspect of treating anorexia nervosa. After the initial stabilization and intensive treatment phase, ongoing monitoring, therapy, and medical follow-up are vital to support the patient's sustained recovery. However, just offering ongoing follow-up care without addressing the immediate medical needs and nutritional rehabilitation would not be sufficient in treating the acute phase of anorexia nervosa.
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