Question

A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a patient who has anorexia nervosa. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indication the patient requires hospitalization?

A. Decreased intake of phosphate containing foods
B. Spending several hours in the sun daily
C. Increased estrogen levels
D. History of anorexia nervosa

Answer 1

A nurse should consider hospitalization for an anorexia nervosa patient with decreased intake of phosphate-containing foods, as it may indicate serious hypophosphatemia.

Step-by-step explanation:

When reviewing the medical record of a patient with anorexia nervosa, a nurse should recognize that a decreased intake of phosphate-containing foods may be an indication that the patient requires hospitalization. This could lead to hypophosphatemia, an abnormally low level of phosphate in the blood, which is a serious condition that often develops in individuals with anorexia nervosa due to malnutrition and can cause significant organ dysfunction.