A nurse overhears assistive personnel (AP) in the cafeteria discussing a client's diagnosis of anorexia nervosa.
The nurse should inform the AP that they have breached which of the following legal acts?

Choice A rationale

Clients with bulimia nervosa are at risk for hypokalemia (decreased potassium level) due to recurrent vomiting or misuse of laxatives or diuretics, which can lead to significant electrolyte imbalances. Normal serum potassium levels range from 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L.

Choice B rationale

An increased number of dental caries is a common manifestation in clients with bulimia nervosa. The stomach acid brought up during frequent vomiting erodes tooth enamel, making the teeth more susceptible to decay and the formation of cavities.

Choice C rationale

Bulimia nervosa is not typically associated with increased bleeding during menstruation (menorrhagia). Menstrual irregularities, including amenorrhea (absence of menstruation), can occur due to hormonal imbalances related to eating disorders and weight fluctuations.

Choice D rationale

Blood pressure can vary in individuals with bulimia nervosa. While dehydration from purging behaviors might initially cause low blood pressure, compensatory mechanisms or anxiety related to the disorder could also lead to normal or even elevated blood pressure in some cases.

Choice A rationale

Reaction formation involves behaving in a way that is the opposite of one's true feelings. The client's statement focuses on delaying health concerns rather than expressing the opposite of their anxiety about their diagnosis.

Choice B rationale

Splitting is a defense mechanism where individuals view themselves or others as all good or all bad. The client's statement does not demonstrate this polarized thinking; instead, it shows a postponement of addressing their health.

Choice C rationale

Projection involves attributing one's own unacceptable thoughts or feelings onto another person. The client is not attributing their feelings about their cancer diagnosis to someone else; they are simply putting off thinking about it.

Choice D rationale

Suppression is a conscious or semiconscious effort to avoid thinking about disturbing thoughts or feelings. The client is consciously stating their intention to not think about their cancer diagnosis until after their son's wedding, indicating a deliberate avoidance of the topic.