The PMHNP on an inpatient substance disorder unit is reviewing the labs for a 17-year-old patient diagnosed with anorexia nervosa who was recently introduced to a caloric intake program. She has pain on eating, and her labs are as follows: phosphorus 0.7 mg/dL, potassium 1.4 mEq/L, and magnesium 1.8 mg/dL. Which of the following is this patient most at risk for?
Refeeding syndrome
Metabolic alkalosis
Hypoglycemia
Purging behaviors
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Refeeding syndrome occurs when malnourished patients are introduced to nutritional support, leading to rapid shifts in electrolytes, particularly phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium. The patient’s severe hypophosphatemia, hypokalemia, and low magnesium indicate a high risk for life-threatening complications, including cardiac arrhythmias, respiratory failure, and neurologic dysfunction.
Choice B reason: Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by elevated bicarbonate and pH, often caused by vomiting or diuretic use, not the electrolyte shifts seen here.
Choice C reason: Hypoglycemia can occur in malnourished patients but is not directly linked to the severe electrolyte disturbances seen with refeeding syndrome.
Choice D reason: Purging behaviors refer to self-induced vomiting or laxative abuse, which are behavioral issues, not immediate physiologic risks from nutritional repletion.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Industry vs. inferiority (ages 6–12) relates to competence and skill mastery, not the emotional patterns leading to conversion disorder.
Choice B reason: Initiative vs. guilt (ages 3–5) involves developing self-initiative; failure in this stage can result in inhibition, guilt, and somatic manifestations, which are characteristic of conversion disorder.
Choice C reason: Identity vs. role confusion (ages 12–18) affects adolescent identity formation but is not directly associated with conversion disorder.
Choice D reason: Intimacy vs. isolation (ages 18–35) pertains to forming close relationships and does not explain conversion disorder development.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Incorporating criminal justice and mental health systems may be part of forensic practice, but forensic risk assessment specifically evaluates risk, not merely system integration.
Choice B reason: Forensic risk assessment is designed to identify individuals with mental disorders who may pose a threat to public safety due to dangerous, violent, or criminal behavior, directly aligning with this description.
Choice C reason: While some forensic interactions involve investigation, this statement describes the context rather than the specific risk assessment process.
Choice D reason: This refers to a specific type of psychiatric evaluation post-arrest but does not fully define forensic risk assessment.
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.