A nurse is assessing a patient with bulimia nervosa. Which of the following cardiovascular symptoms would the nurse expect to find?
Bradycardia and tachycardia.
Hypertension and mitral valve prolapse.
Orthostatic hypotension and arrhythmias.
Pericardial effusion and cardiomyopathy.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Bradycardia and tachycardia. While these cardiovascular symptoms can occur in eating disorders, they are more commonly associated with anorexia nervosa rather than bulimia nervosa. Bradycardia (slow heart rate) is often seen in individuals with severe anorexia due to the body's adaptive response to conserve energy. Tachycardia (rapid heart rate) can occur as a compensatory mechanism in response to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, particularly in those with anorexia. However, in bulimia nervosa, the rapid cycle of binge eating and purging is more likely to lead to electrolyte imbalances that cause other symptoms.
Choice B rationale:
Hypertension and mitral valve prolapse. Hypertension (high blood pressure) is not a common cardiovascular symptom of bulimia nervosa. Mitral valve prolapse, which involves the improper closing of the heart's mitral valve, is also not a typical cardiovascular manifestation of bulimia nervosa. Eating disorders primarily affect the electrical conduction system of the heart and can lead to rhythm disturbances.
Choice C rationale:
Orthostatic hypotension and arrhythmias. This is the correct choice. Orthostatic hypotension, which is a drop in blood pressure upon standing, is a common cardiovascular symptom of bulimia nervosa. It is often a result of dehydration and electrolyte imbalances caused by frequent vomiting and laxative use. Arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms) can also occur due to electrolyte imbalances, particularly low levels of potassium, which can disrupt the heart's electrical activity.
Choice D rationale:
Pericardial effusion and cardiomyopathy. While pericardial effusion (accumulation of fluid around the heart) and cardiomyopathy (disease of the heart muscle) can occur in individuals with eating disorders, they are not the most common cardiovascular symptoms. These conditions usually result from prolonged malnutrition and severe electrolyte imbalances, which can occur in both anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. However, orthostatic hypotension and arrhythmias are more characteristic of bulimia nervosa.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Altered levels of leptin and ghrelin.
Choice A rationale:
Increased levels of cortisol and thyroid hormones are not commonly associated with eating disorders. Cortisol is a stress hormone, and while stress can play a role in eating behaviors, it is not a consistent physiological change across all eating disorders. Thyroid hormones play a role in metabolism, but their direct link to eating disorders is limited.
Choice B rationale:
Decreased levels of growth hormone and insulin are not commonly associated with eating disorders. Growth hormone and insulin are primarily involved in growth regulation and glucose metabolism, respectively, and their alterations are not central to the core characteristics of eating disorders.
Choice C rationale:
Altered levels of leptin and ghrelin are commonly associated with eating disorders. Leptin is a hormone that regulates appetite and signals satiety. Individuals with eating disorders may have disrupted leptin levels, contributing to disturbances in appetite and hunger regulation. Ghrelin is a hormone that stimulates appetite, and its dysregulation can also play a role in eating disorder behaviors.
Choice D rationale:
Elevated levels of sex hormones and growth hormone are not consistently associated with eating disorders. While some hormonal changes can occur due to malnutrition and extreme weight loss, they are not universally seen across all individuals with eating disorders. The hormonal changes seen in eating disorders are more often related to appetite regulation and metabolism.
Correct Answer is ["B","D","E"]
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B, D, and E.
Choice A rationale:
Administering pain management medications is not typically a direct intervention for eating disorders unless the patient has a comorbid condition that requires pain management. Eating disorders primarily require nutritional, psychological, and physiological interventions.
Choice B rationale:
Providing nutritional education is a fundamental intervention for patients with eating disorders. It helps them understand the importance of balanced nutrition and addresses any misconceptions about food and diet that may contribute to their condition.
Choice C rationale:
Assisting with wound care may be necessary if the patient has self-inflicted wounds or other injuries, but it is not a standard nursing intervention for eating disorders unless there are specific complications that require such care.
Choice D rationale:
Recommending meditation techniques can be beneficial for patients with eating disorders as it can help reduce anxiety, improve stress management, and promote a more positive body image and self-esteem.
Choice E rationale:
Monitoring vital signs is crucial for patients with eating disorders due to the potential for severe physiological complications such as electrolyte imbalances, cardiac issues, and other vital sign instabilities that can arise from malnutrition and the behaviors associated with eating disorders.
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.