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The nurse is aware that the major health complication associated with anorexia nervosa is:

Cardiac dysrhythmia resulting in cardiac arrest

Endocrine imbalance causing amenorrhea

Decreased metabolism causing cold intolerance

Glucose intolerance resulting in hypoglycemia

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

a. Cardiac dysrhythmia resulting in cardiac arrest

Explanation of Choices

Choice A Reason: Cardiac Dysrhythmia Resulting in Cardiac Arrest

Cardiac dysrhythmias, or irregular heartbeats, are a significant health complication associated with anorexia nervosa. These dysrhythmias can result from electrolyte imbalances, particularly low potassium levels (hypokalemia), which are common in individuals with anorexia due to malnutrition and purging behaviors. Severe dysrhythmias can lead to cardiac arrest, making this one of the most critical and potentially fatal complications of anorexia nervosa. The heart muscle can weaken due to prolonged malnutrition, leading to a condition known as myocardial atrophy, which further increases the risk of cardiac complications.

Choice B Reason: Endocrine Imbalance Causing Amenorrhea

Amenorrhea, or the absence of menstruation, is a common endocrine complication in females with anorexia nervosa. This condition occurs due to the body’s response to severe weight loss and malnutrition, which disrupts the normal production of reproductive hormones. While amenorrhea is a significant health issue, it is not as immediately life-threatening as cardiac dysrhythmias. Amenorrhea can lead to long-term complications such as infertility and osteoporosis but does not typically result in acute medical emergencies.

Choice C Reason: Decreased Metabolism Causing Cold Intolerance

Decreased metabolism and cold intolerance are common symptoms in individuals with anorexia nervosa. The body reduces its metabolic rate in response to prolonged starvation to conserve energy. This can lead to a lower body temperature and increased sensitivity to cold. While uncomfortable and indicative of severe malnutrition, decreased metabolism and cold intolerance are not as immediately dangerous as cardiac dysrhythmias. These symptoms reflect the body’s adaptation to a state of energy deficiency but do not pose an immediate threat to life.

Choice D Reason: Glucose Intolerance Resulting in Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, can occur in individuals with anorexia nervosa due to inadequate food intake. However, glucose intolerance and hypoglycemia are less common and less severe complications compared to cardiac dysrhythmias. Hypoglycemia can cause symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, and fainting, but it is typically manageable with appropriate nutritional support. It does not carry the same immediate risk of fatality as cardiac dysrhythmias.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Conduct Disorder

Choice A Reason: Childhood Depression

Childhood depression is a mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in activities. Symptoms can include changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, and difficulty concentrating. While depression can lead to behavioral issues, it is less likely to be associated with the specific behaviors described in the scenario, such as running away and being abusive towards parents. These behaviors are more indicative of a disruptive behavior disorder rather than a mood disorder.

Choice B Reason: Oppositional Defiant Disorder

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is characterized by a pattern of angry, irritable mood, argumentative/defiant behavior, or vindictiveness. Children with ODD often lose their temper, argue with adults, and refuse to comply with rules. While ODD can involve some of the behaviors described, such as being abusive towards parents, it typically does not include the more severe behaviors like running away or engaging in illegal activities such as prostitution. Therefore, ODD is not the most fitting diagnosis in this case.

Choice C Reason: Conduct Disorder

Conduct Disorder is a more severe behavioral disorder characterized by a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior that violates the rights of others or major age-appropriate societal norms or rules. Symptoms include aggression towards people and animals, destruction of property, deceitfulness or theft, and serious violations of rules, such as running away from home and engaging in illegal activities like prostitution. Given the behaviors described in the scenario, Conduct Disorder is the most appropriate diagnosis. Adolescents with Conduct Disorder often exhibit a lack of remorse or guilt and may have a history of problematic behaviors that escalate over time.

Choice D Reason: Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder characterized by difficulties with social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. While individuals with ASD may exhibit challenging behaviors, these are typically related to difficulties in understanding social norms and communication rather than intentional defiance or rule-breaking. The behaviors described in the scenario, such as running away and engaging in prostitution, are not characteristic of ASD, making it an unlikely diagnosis in this context.

A. The client’s behavioral change is expected after the time period of medication. B. The client may have worked out details of their suicide plan. C. The medication dosage should be decreased and a mood stabilizer added. D. The medication has potentiated serotonin syndrome.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The correct answer is a. The client’s behavioral change is expected after the time period of medication.

Choice A Reason:

This choice is correct because fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), typically takes about 4 to 6 weeks to start showing its full effects. The client’s statement, “I feel like a great weight is off my chest,” indicates a positive response to the medication, which aligns with the expected timeline for SSRIs to improve mood and alleviate symptoms of depression. This behavioral change suggests that the medication is working as intended, helping to lift the depressive symptoms.

Choice B Reason:

This choice is incorrect and concerning. While it is true that some individuals may experience a temporary increase in energy before their mood improves, which could potentially increase the risk of suicide, the client’s positive statement does not necessarily indicate suicidal planning. It is important for healthcare providers to continuously monitor for any signs of suicidal ideation, but in this context, the client’s statement more likely reflects an improvement in their depressive symptoms.

Choice C Reason:

This choice is incorrect because there is no indication that the medication dosage should be decreased or that a mood stabilizer should be added. Fluoxetine is generally well-tolerated, and the client’s positive response suggests that the current dosage is effective. Mood stabilizers are typically used in the treatment of bipolar disorder, not major depressive disorder, unless there is a specific indication for their use.

Choice D Reason:

This choice is incorrect and indicates a misunderstanding of serotonin syndrome. Serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by excessive serotonin activity in the brain, often due to drug interactions or overdose. Symptoms include agitation, confusion, rapid heart rate, and high blood pressure4. The client’s statement of feeling relieved does not align with the symptoms of serotonin syndrome, which are generally severe and require immediate medical attention.

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The nurse is aware that the major health complication associated with anorexia nervosa is:

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A fifteen-year-old was referred to the adolescent mental health clinic after being arrested for prostitution. The client’s parents reported that they have run away several times and are abusive towards them. The nurse should anticipate that the diagnosis will be:

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A client with major depressive disorder has been taking fluoxetine, an SSRI, for 5 weeks. During the first outpatient visit, the client smiles and states, “I feel like a great weight is off my chest.” How should the nurse interpret this behavior change?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The nurse believes that a client being admitted for a surgical procedure may have a drinking problem. Which screening tool should the nurse use to further evaluate this possibility?

The nurse is planning a psycho-education group for clients diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. The nurse understands that which aspect of group intervention is most essential initially to establish a trusting nurse-patient relationship?

A nurse is caring for a client who has a binge-eating disorder. Which of the following statements should the nurse expect from this client?

A physician orders Lithium 1.2 grams/day in three divided doses PO for a client with bipolar disorder. The medication is supplied as 300 mg/5 mL. How much will the nurse administer per dose? (Round the answer to the nearest tenth. Use a leading zero if it applies. Do not use a trailing zero.)

The intervention appropriate for a client who has been manipulating others and has a diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder is to:

When a client with a personality disorder uses self-destructive behavior as a way of getting needs met, the staff observe the behavior closely because:

A client with bipolar disorder is refusing to take mood stabilizers due to weight gain. To increase the patient’s adherence to a medication regimen, what measures could the nurse teach the client? (SELECT ALL THAT APPLY)