A nurse is assessing an adolescent female client who has anorexia nervosa. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Metrorrhagia.
Tachycardia.
Hyperkalemia.
Constipation.
The Correct Answer is D
The correct answer is Choice D
Choice A rationale: Metrorrhagia, or irregular uterine bleeding, is not typically associated with anorexia nervosa. Instead, amenorrhea is more common due to hypothalamic suppression from low body fat and caloric intake. The hypothalamus reduces gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), leading to decreased luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which suppresses ovulation and menstruation. Estrogen levels fall below normal (typically 30–400 pg/mL), disrupting endometrial stability. Thus, bleeding is less likely than complete menstrual cessation.
Choice B rationale: Tachycardia is not expected in anorexia nervosa; bradycardia is more common due to metabolic adaptation and reduced cardiac workload. The body conserves energy by lowering heart rate, often below 60 bpm. Malnutrition leads to decreased thyroid hormone (T3), reduced sympathetic tone, and myocardial atrophy. Electrolyte imbalances and hypovolemia further depress cardiac output. Tachycardia may occur in refeeding syndrome or acute stress, but chronically, the heart rate is typically slow due to adaptive mechanisms.
Choice C rationale: Hyperkalemia is rare in anorexia nervosa; hypokalemia is far more common due to purging behaviors, vomiting, and diuretic or laxative abuse. Potassium levels often fall below the normal range of 3.5–5.0 mEq/L. Losses through the gastrointestinal tract and renal excretion lead to muscle weakness, arrhythmias, and fatigue. Intracellular shifts during starvation also contribute to low serum potassium. Hyperkalemia may occur transiently during tissue breakdown or renal failure but is not a hallmark finding.
Choice D rationale: Constipation is a frequent finding in anorexia nervosa due to decreased caloric intake, slowed gastrointestinal motility, and reduced fiber consumption. Starvation suppresses parasympathetic activity, leading to delayed colonic transit. Electrolyte imbalances, especially hypokalemia, further impair smooth muscle contraction. Normal bowel frequency ranges from three times per week to three times per day; anorexic clients often fall below this due to systemic hypometabolism. Constipation may also be exacerbated by dehydration and laxative dependence.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Monitoring vital signs throughout the day is essential for a client experiencing mania, but it is not a specific intervention related to managing the manic state. Mania is associated with high energy levels and hyperactivity, which can affect vital signs. However, this intervention does not directly address the core symptoms of mania.
Choice B rationale:
Maintaining an environment with low stimuli is crucial for managing a client experiencing mania. Manic individuals are often highly sensitive to external stimuli, and a low-stimulation environment helps reduce agitation and potential exacerbation of manic behaviors.
Choice C rationale:
Discouraging the client from taking a nap during the day is not a suitable intervention for managing mania. Sleep disturbances are common during manic episodes, and attempting to restrict daytime naps might increase restlessness and agitation.
Choice D rationale:
Weighing the client every 3 to 4 days is not a specific intervention for managing mania. Weight monitoring might be relevant in certain contexts, such as if the client's medication regimen is associated with weight changes, but it does not directly address the manifestations of mania.
Choice E rationale:
Offering nutritional foods to the client every 2 hours is an important intervention for managing mania. Manic individuals often engage in impulsive behaviors, including neglecting self-care such as eating. Providing regular and nutritious meals helps stabilize blood sugar levels and supports the body's energy demands during this hyperactive phase.
Correct Answer is ["A", "B", "E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Tremors. Rationale: Tremors can be a withdrawal symptom associated with alcohol withdrawal. These tremors are often referred to as "alcohol shakes" and are a result of the central nervous system adapting to the sudden absence of alcohol.
Choice B rationale:
Insomnia. Rationale: Insomnia is a common withdrawal symptom during alcohol withdrawal. Alcohol disrupts sleep patterns, and when a person stops drinking, their sleep cycle may be disturbed, leading to difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
Choice C rationale:
Severe hypotension. Rationale: Severe hypotension, or very low blood pressure, is not a prominent withdrawal symptom of alcohol. Alcohol withdrawal can lead to an increase in blood pressure rather than severe hypotension.
Choice D rationale:
Hyperglycemia. Rationale: Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, is not a direct withdrawal symptom of alcohol. However, chronic alcohol use can affect blood sugar regulation over time. During acute withdrawal, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is more common due to altered metabolism.
Choice E rationale:
Visual hallucinations. Rationale: This statement is correct. Visual hallucinations can occur during alcohol withdrawal and are often indicative of a more severe withdrawal syndrome known as delirium tremens (DTs). DTs can include visual hallucinations, confusion, agitation, and autonomic hyperactivity.
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