A 17-year-old girl has been diagnosed with bulimia nervosa. Which complication should the nurse carefully assess for in this client?

Choice A rationale Diabetes mellitus, a disorder of glucose metabolism (normal blood glucose 70-100 mg/dL), is not a direct or common complication of bulimia nervosa, which is characterized by binging and compensatory behaviors like purging, although weight fluctuations can impact metabolic health. Choice B rationale Severe erosion of teeth, specifically dental enamel, is a common and severe complication of bulimia nervosa, primarily caused by repeated self-induced vomiting where gastric acid bathes the teeth, leading to demineralization and loss of protective structure. Choice C rationale Hypertension (normal blood pressure varies by age, generally <120/80 mm Hg in adults) is not typically a direct complication of bulimia nervosa; instead, fluid and electrolyte imbalances (e.g., hypokalemia) and cardiovascular issues like arrhythmias are more characteristic concerns. Choice D rationale Atherosclerosis, which involves the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to plaque buildup, is a long-term cardiovascular risk generally associated with conditions like hyperlipidemia, obesity, and diabetes, not an immediate or direct complication of bulimia nervosa.