What clinical manifestation is Joan most likely to exhibit? (patient with eating disorder)

Choice A reason: Patients with restrictive eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, frequently exhibit dry, flaky skin (xerosis) due to severe malnutrition and dehydration. The body lacks the essential fatty acids and hydration necessary to maintain the skin barrier, and a lowered metabolic rate reduces the production of natural skin oils. Choice B reason: Malnutrition typically causes hair to become thin, brittle, and prone to falling out (alopecia) rather than coarse. Additionally, many patients develop lanugo, which is a fine, downy hair on the face and body, as a physiological response to preserve body heat in the absence of subcutaneous fat. Choice C reason: Fever is an indication of infection or inflammation. In contrast, patients with severe eating disorders often present with hypothermia (low body temperature) because the body lacks the caloric energy and adipose tissue needed to generate and retain heat, leading to cold intolerance and a low basal metabolic rate. Choice D reason: Hypertension (high blood pressure) is not expected in this population. Malnutrition and fluid restriction generally lead to hypotension (low blood pressure) and bradycardia (slow heart rate) as the heart muscle weakens and the body enters a state of energy conservation to protect vital organs during prolonged starvation.