The nurse is continuing to care for the patient in the emergency department.

Exhibits

Which findings should the nurse identify as potential complications of the client’s diagnostic results? Select all that apply.

The nurse should first address the client’s heart rate followed by the client’s skin turgor.

Target 1: Heart Rate

Reason: The client’s heart rate is 44/min, which is significantly below the normal range of 60-100 beats per minute for adults. This condition, known as bradycardia, can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Bradycardia in anorexia nervosa patients is often due to malnutrition and electrolyte imbalances, which can lead to cardiac complications. Addressing the heart rate is crucial to stabilize the client’s cardiovascular system and prevent potential cardiac arrest.

Target 2: Skin Turgor

Reason: Skin turgor is an important indicator of hydration status. The client has decreased skin turgor, suggesting dehydration. Dehydration can exacerbate other medical conditions and lead to severe complications if not treated promptly. By addressing skin turgor, the nurse can help restore the client’s fluid balance, which is essential for overall health and recovery.

Choice A: Body Image

Reason: While body image is a significant psychological aspect of anorexia nervosa, it is not the immediate priority in this scenario. Addressing body image issues is crucial for long-term recovery and preventing relapse, but it does not pose an immediate threat to the client’s physical health. Psychological interventions can be initiated once the client’s critical physical health issues are stabilized.

Choice B: Lanugo

Reason: Lanugo, the fine hair that develops on the body, is a sign of severe malnutrition and the body’s attempt to conserve heat. While it indicates the chronic nature of the client’s condition, it is not an immediate threat to life. Addressing lanugo involves improving the client’s nutritional status over time, which will naturally resolve as the client’s health improves.

Choice C: Heart Rate

Reason: As previously mentioned, the client’s heart rate is critically low and poses an immediate risk to their life. Bradycardia must be addressed first to stabilize the client’s cardiovascular function and prevent life-threatening complications.

Choice D: Skin Turgor

Reason: Decreased skin turgor indicates dehydration, which can lead to severe complications if not corrected. Rehydration is essential for the client’s recovery and overall health, making it a priority after stabilizing the heart rate.

Choice E: Russell’s Sign

Reason: Russell’s sign, characterized by calluses on the knuckles from self-induced vomiting, is a physical indicator of the client’s purging behavior. While it is important to address the underlying behaviors associated with Russell’s sign, it is not an immediate threat to the client’s physical health. Behavioral interventions can be implemented once the client’s critical physical health issues are managed.

Choice A reason:
Implementing seizure precautions is a critical intervention for a client with a history of alcohol use disorder who is admitted while intoxicated. Alcohol withdrawal can lead to seizures, which can be life-threatening. Seizure precautions include maintaining a safe environment, having emergency medication and equipment ready, and monitoring the client closely for signs of seizure activity.

Choice B reason:
Monitoring for orthostatic hypotension is important, especially if the client is experiencing withdrawal symptoms, as dehydration and electrolyte imbalances can occur. However, it is not as immediately critical as implementing seizure precautions for a client who is currently intoxicated.

Choice C reason:
Administering methadone hydrochloride is not an appropriate intervention for alcohol intoxication or withdrawal. Methadone is used for opioid use disorder, not alcohol use disorder, and could be harmful if given to a client with alcohol intoxication.

Choice D reason:
Acidifying the client's urine is not a standard intervention for alcohol intoxication or withdrawal. This intervention is more commonly associated with managing certain drug overdoses or poisonings to increase the elimination of the substance.