A nurse is collecting data from a client who has bulimia nervosa. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Lanugo
Muscle wasting
Hypomagnesemia
Hypokalemia
The Correct Answer is D
A. Lanugo refers to fine, soft hair that grows on the face, back, and arms as a result of malnutrition. It is more common in anorexia nervosa rather than bulimia nervosa.
B. Muscle wasting is not typically a primary symptom of bulimia.
C. Hypomagnesemia, or low magnesium levels, may occur but is not very characteristic of bulimia nervosa.
D. Hypokalemia, or low levels of potassium in the blood, is a common finding in individuals with bulimia nervosa who engage in purging behaviors such as vomiting or misuse of diuretics. Potassium is crucial for proper muscle and nerve function, and low levels can lead to symptoms such as muscle weakness, fatigue, cardiac arrhythmias, and in severe cases, paralysis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Unlike anorexia nervosa, where individuals typically appear underweight, people with bulimia nervosa often maintain a body weight within the normal or even overweight range. This can make it challenging to identify based on physical appearance alone, as individuals may hide their binge-eating and purging behaviors.
B. Individuals with bulimia nervosa often engage in episodes of binge-eating, during which they consume large amounts of food in a short period and feel a loss of control over their eating. This is followed by compensatory behaviors such as self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives or diuretics, fasting, or excessive exercise to prevent weight gain.
C. Bulimia nervosa does not directly increase the risk of developing diabetes mellitus. However, the binge-eating episodes characteristic of bulimia can lead to metabolic disturbances and insulin resistance over time. This can potentially increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in individuals who are predisposed or have other risk factors.
D. While self-induced vomiting is a common purging method in bulimia nervosa, there are other ways individuals may attempt to compensate for binge-eating episodes, such as excessive exercise, fasting, or misuse of laxatives or diuretics. The key diagnostic criteria for bulimia nervosa include recurrent episodes of binge-eating and inappropriate compensatory behaviors to prevent weight gain.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. While medications like SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) or benzodiazepines may eventually be part of the treatment plan for OCD, administering medication should not be the first action unless the client is in acute distress or experiencing severe anxiety symptoms that require immediate pharmacological intervention.
B. This option involves assessing the severity of anxiety symptoms, which is important for understanding the client's baseline anxiety level. However, calculating this score is not the first action. It can be done later as part of the comprehensive assessment to guide ongoing treatment planning.
C. Relaxation exercises, such as deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation, can help manage anxiety symptoms in clients with OCD. However, before initiating specific interventions like relaxation exercises, the nurse should first establish rapport, assess the client's current level of distress, and gather information about the client's symptoms and coping mechanisms.
D. Response prevention is a cognitive-behavioral therapy technique used in the treatment of OCD, where clients are prevented from engaging in compulsive behaviors. This should follow after thorough assessment of the actual psychological state of the client.
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.
