A nurse is assessing a client who has bulimia nervosa. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Lanugo
Dental caries
Cold extremities
Amenorrhea
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Lanugo is a fine, downy hair that develops on the body as a compensatory mechanism in clients with anorexia nervosa due to severe malnutrition and low body fat. It is not typically associated with bulimia nervosa, since bulimia involves recurrent binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as vomiting or laxative use, but does not usually result in the same degree of starvation seen in anorexia.
Choice B reason: Dental caries are expected in bulimia nervosa because repeated self-induced vomiting exposes teeth to gastric acid. This acid erodes enamel, leading to tooth decay, sensitivity, and caries. This is a hallmark physical finding in bulimia and directly reflects the purging behavior characteristic of the disorder.
Choice C reason: Cold extremities are more commonly associated with anorexia nervosa due to severe malnutrition, hypothermia, and poor circulation from low body fat. Clients with bulimia nervosa may have normal weight or even be overweight, so cold extremities are not a typical finding.
Choice D reason: Amenorrhea is more characteristic of anorexia nervosa due to extreme caloric restriction and low body fat, which disrupts hormonal regulation of the menstrual cycle. While menstrual irregularities can occur in bulimia nervosa, amenorrhea is not a defining or expected finding.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Identifying the client’s feelings underlying the delusions is therapeutic. Delusions often mask fear, anxiety, or insecurity. By focusing on the emotions rather than the false belief, the nurse validates the client’s experience without reinforcing the delusion. This approach builds trust and supports emotional regulation.
Choice B reason: Telling the client that the delusion is not real is ineffective and can increase defensiveness. Clients with schizophrenia often lack insight, and direct confrontation may escalate agitation or mistrust.
Choice C reason: Reinforcing the delusion is harmful. It strengthens false beliefs and impedes recovery. Nurses must avoid validating delusional content while still supporting the client’s emotional needs.
Choice D reason: Helping the client ignore events that trigger delusions is unrealistic. Triggers cannot always be avoided, and ignoring them does not teach coping strategies. Instead, nurses should help clients develop grounding techniques and reality-based coping skills.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Sleeping only 4 hours is common during mania and contributes to exhaustion, but it is not immediately life-threatening.
Choice B reason: Refusing to shower reflects poor self-care, which is expected in mania, but it does not pose an acute medical risk.
Choice C reason: Eating half a snack shows reduced intake but is not as urgent as fluid refusal.
Choice D reason: Refusing fluids is the priority because dehydration can quickly lead to severe complications such as electrolyte imbalance, cardiac dysrhythmias, and renal impairment. This requires immediate intervention.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.