A nurse on a mental health unit is discussing consent with a newly licensed nurse. Which of the following information should the nurse include?

Choice A reason: Bulimia nervosa involves recurrent binge eating followed by purging behaviors, such as vomiting or laxative use, often done secretively. The statement about binging and purging for years without others knowing directly describes this pattern, a core diagnostic criterion, making this a correct choice.

Choice B reason: Using laxatives only for constipation does not indicate bulimia nervosa, which involves purging to prevent weight gain after binging. This statement reflects a medical or situational use of laxatives, not the compulsive behavior of bulimia, making it incorrect.

Choice C reason: Bulimia nervosa can involve an emotional high during binge-purge cycles due to endorphin release or temporary relief from anxiety. This statement captures the psychological reinforcement of these episodes, aligning with bulimia’s behavioral patterns, making it a correct choice.

Choice D reason: Feeling power from restricting food intake is characteristic of anorexia nervosa, not bulimia. Bulimia involves binging and purging, not sustained restriction, making this statement incorrect as it does not reflect the typical behavior of bulimia nervosa.

Choice A reason: Rigidity alone is insufficient for a Parkinson disease diagnosis. While rigidity, due to dopamine depletion in the basal ganglia, is a core symptom, diagnostic criteria require additional features like bradykinesia or rest tremors. Rigidity can occur in other conditions, making it non-specific without accompanying symptoms.

Choice B reason: Bradykinesia alone, characterized by slow movement from basal ganglia dysfunction, is a key Parkinson disease feature but insufficient for diagnosis. Diagnostic criteria typically require bradykinesia plus rest tremor or rigidity to confirm PD, as bradykinesia can also occur in other neurological disorders.

Choice C reason: Tremors at rest and bradykinesia are cardinal features of Parkinson disease, resulting from dopaminergic neuron loss in the substantia nigra. Rest tremors, typically unilateral, and slowed movements are diagnostic hallmarks, often accompanied by rigidity or postural instability, making this combination critical for confirming PD.

Choice D reason: Tremor at rest with flaccidity is not consistent with Parkinson disease. PD involves rigidity, not flaccidity, due to increased muscle tone from basal ganglia dysfunction. Flaccidity suggests other conditions, like lower motor neuron disorders, making this choice incorrect for PD diagnosis.