A nurse is assisting with planning care for a 17-year-old client who may have anorexia nervosa (AN). Which of the following should the nurse recognize as a common reproductive health concern for this client?

A. Cough, edema, and increased work of breathing. While these symptoms can indicate worsening heart failure, cough and edema are less prominent signs in infants compared to respiratory distress and feeding difficulties.

B. Tachypnea and diaphoresis with feeding, poor weight gain, and irritability. This is correct. Infants with worsening heart failure often struggle with feeding due to increased energy demands and difficulty breathing. Tachypnea (rapid breathing) and diaphoresis (excessive sweating) during feeding are classic early signs. Poor weight gain results from inadequate caloric intake, and irritability may be due to fatigue and hypoxia.

C. Abdominal pain, poor appetite, and cough. Abdominal pain is difficult to assess in infants, and poor appetite alone is not a definitive sign of heart failure. Cough may occur but is not a primary indicator of worsening heart failure in infants.

D. Bradycardia, rapid weight gain, and irritability. Bradycardia is not a common sign of worsening heart failure in infants; tachycardia (fast heart rate) is more typical. Rapid weight gain could suggest fluid retention but is not as reliable a sign as feeding difficulties and respiratory distress.

A. Bullying. Children with chronic illnesses may be at higher risk of bullying due to visible symptoms, medical devices (e.g., insulin pumps, braces), or frequent absences. Bullying can negatively impact their self-esteem and emotional well-being.

B. Absenteeism. Chronic illnesses often require frequent medical appointments, hospitalizations, or rest periods, leading to increased school absences. This can affect academic performance and social integration.

C. Decreased intelligence quotient (IQ) score. While chronic illness can affect cognitive function in some cases (e.g., severe epilepsy, untreated hypothyroidism), most children with chronic illnesses do not inherently have lower IQ scores. Learning difficulties are more often linked to fatigue, medication side effects, or missed instruction time rather than a direct decrease in intelligence.

D. Behavioral issues toward other students. While some children may struggle with frustration or emotional distress due to their illness, chronic illness does not inherently cause aggressive behavior toward peers. However, emotional regulation difficulties may arise due to stress or anxiety related to their condition.

E. Mental health concerns. Anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation are common among children with chronic illnesses. They may struggle with self-identity, fear of medical procedures, and social exclusion, increasing the risk of mental health disorders.