The nurse is aware that the major health complication associated with anorexia nervosa is:
Cardiac dysrhythmia resulting in cardiac arrest
Endocrine imbalance causing amenorrhea
Decreased metabolism causing cold intolerance
Glucose intolerance resulting in hypoglycemia
The Correct Answer is A
a. Cardiac dysrhythmia resulting in cardiac arrest
Explanation of Choices
Choice A Reason: Cardiac Dysrhythmia Resulting in Cardiac Arrest
Cardiac dysrhythmias, or irregular heartbeats, are a significant health complication associated with anorexia nervosa. These dysrhythmias can result from electrolyte imbalances, particularly low potassium levels (hypokalemia), which are common in individuals with anorexia due to malnutrition and purging behaviors. Severe dysrhythmias can lead to cardiac arrest, making this one of the most critical and potentially fatal complications of anorexia nervosa. The heart muscle can weaken due to prolonged malnutrition, leading to a condition known as myocardial atrophy, which further increases the risk of cardiac complications.
Choice B Reason: Endocrine Imbalance Causing Amenorrhea
Amenorrhea, or the absence of menstruation, is a common endocrine complication in females with anorexia nervosa. This condition occurs due to the body’s response to severe weight loss and malnutrition, which disrupts the normal production of reproductive hormones. While amenorrhea is a significant health issue, it is not as immediately life-threatening as cardiac dysrhythmias. Amenorrhea can lead to long-term complications such as infertility and osteoporosis but does not typically result in acute medical emergencies.
Choice C Reason: Decreased Metabolism Causing Cold Intolerance
Decreased metabolism and cold intolerance are common symptoms in individuals with anorexia nervosa. The body reduces its metabolic rate in response to prolonged starvation to conserve energy. This can lead to a lower body temperature and increased sensitivity to cold. While uncomfortable and indicative of severe malnutrition, decreased metabolism and cold intolerance are not as immediately dangerous as cardiac dysrhythmias. These symptoms reflect the body’s adaptation to a state of energy deficiency but do not pose an immediate threat to life.
Choice D Reason: Glucose Intolerance Resulting in Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, can occur in individuals with anorexia nervosa due to inadequate food intake. However, glucose intolerance and hypoglycemia are less common and less severe complications compared to cardiac dysrhythmias. Hypoglycemia can cause symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, and fainting, but it is typically manageable with appropriate nutritional support. It does not carry the same immediate risk of fatality as cardiac dysrhythmias.
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Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is b. Administer oxygen via 100% nonrebreather and place an IV catheter to give naloxone.
Choice A Reason: Get the defibrillator to the patient’s bedside and open the crash cart
While having the defibrillator and crash cart ready is important in emergency situations, it is not the immediate priority in this scenario. The patient’s symptoms suggest opioid overdose, which requires immediate intervention to support breathing and reverse the effects of the opioid. The primary focus should be on ensuring adequate oxygenation and administering naloxone.
Choice B Reason: Administer oxygen via 100% nonrebreather and place an IV catheter to give naloxone
This is the correct answer. The patient’s blue-tinged lips, slowed respirations, and pinpoint pupils are indicative of opioid overdose. Administering oxygen via a 100% nonrebreather mask helps to ensure adequate oxygenation, while placing an IV catheter allows for the administration of naloxone, an opioid antagonist that can reverse the effects of the overdose. This intervention addresses the immediate life-threatening condition.
Choice C Reason: Administer naloxone intranasally if there is not an IV catheter in place
While administering naloxone intranasally is an appropriate alternative if IV access is not available, it is not the first priority. The initial focus should be on ensuring adequate oxygenation and establishing IV access for more effective administration of naloxone. If IV access cannot be quickly established, then intranasal naloxone can be used.
Choice D Reason: Contact the patient’s parents or legal guardian for consent to treat
Obtaining consent is important, but it is not the immediate priority in a life-threatening situation. The nurse’s primary responsibility is to stabilize the patient and address the acute medical emergency. Once the patient is stabilized, the nurse can then contact the parents or legal guardian for further consent and information.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Childhood Depression
Childhood depression is characterized by persistent sadness, irritability, and a lack of interest in activities. While it can lead to behavioral issues, it does not typically include the aggressive and antisocial behaviors described in the scenario. The symptoms of childhood depression include changes in sleep patterns, appetite, and energy levels, but these do not align with the client’s history of running away and abusive behavior towards parents.
Choice B Reason: Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
ODD is marked by a pattern of angry, irritable mood, argumentative, defiant behavior, or vindictiveness. While children with ODD may be defiant and hostile towards authority figures, the behaviors described in the scenario, such as running away and engaging in illegal activities like prostitution, are more severe and align more closely with Conduct Disorder. ODD does not typically involve the violation of societal norms to the extent seen in this case.
Choice C Reason: Conduct Disorder
Conduct Disorder is characterized by a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior that violates the rights of others or major age-appropriate societal norms or rules. This includes aggressive behavior towards people and animals, destruction of property, deceitfulness or theft, and serious violations of rules. The client’s history of running away, abusive behavior towards parents, and involvement in illegal activities like prostitution strongly suggests Conduct Disorder. This diagnosis is supported by the presence of multiple behavioral issues that are severe and pervasive.
Choice D Reason: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
ASD is a developmental disorder that affects communication and behavior. Individuals with ASD may have difficulty with social interactions, exhibit repetitive behaviors, and have restricted interests. While ASD can sometimes be associated with challenging behaviors, it does not typically include the antisocial and aggressive behaviors described in the scenario. The client’s history of running away and abusive behavior is not characteristic of ASD.
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