A nurse is caring for a client who has an anxiety disorder.
The client transforms their anxiety into physical manifestations.
The nurse should recognize that the client is exhibiting which of the following manifestations?

Choice A rationale

Bulimia nervosa primarily affects the gastrointestinal system, dental health, and electrolyte balance. While there are health risks, diabetes mellitus is not directly associated with bulimia nervosa.

Choice B rationale

Individuals with bulimia nervosa often maintain an average or ideal body weight, which makes the disorder less visible compared to anorexia nervosa.

Choice C rationale

Bulimia nervosa is characterized by episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as vomiting, not by average food consumption.

Choice D rationale

The absence of vomiting does not rule out bulimia nervosa, as individuals may engage in other compensatory behaviors like excessive exercise or fasting.

Choice A rationale

A fluctuating level of orientation is a hallmark sign of delirium. Delirium is characterized by an acute and fluctuating course of altered mental status, including changes in attention, awareness, and cognition.

Choice B rationale

A consistent state of depression is not indicative of delirium. While depression can affect mental status, it does not typically present with the acute, fluctuating changes seen in delirium.

Choice C rationale

Demonstrating obsessive behaviors is more characteristic of obsessive-compulsive disorder and does not typically indicate delirium.

Choice D rationale

Short-term memory loss can be a feature of many conditions, including dementia, but does not specifically indicate delirium, which is distinguished by its rapid onset and fluctuating nature. .