A nurse is caring for a client who has anorexia nervosa. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Hyperkalemia. Clients with anorexia nervosa typically experience hypokalemia rather than hyperkalemia due to severe malnutrition, vomiting, and excessive diuretic or laxative use. Potassium depletion can lead to life-threatening cardiac complications. B. Hyperglycemia. Anorexia nervosa is associated with hypoglycemia due to prolonged fasting, malnutrition, and depleted glycogen stores. Clients often have low blood glucose levels rather than elevated ones. C. Lanugo. The development of fine, downy body hair (lanugo) is a classic sign of anorexia nervosa. This occurs as the body adapts to extreme weight loss and malnutrition by trying to conserve heat due to the lack of body fat. D. Swollen parotid glands. While swollen parotid glands are common in bulimia nervosa due to frequent vomiting, they are not a defining feature of anorexia nervosa unless the client engages in purging behaviors.