Question

A client with anorexia is hospitalized on a medical unit due to electrolyte imbalance

and cardiac dysrhythmias. Additional assessment findings that the nurse would expect to
observe are
A) Brittle hair, lanugo, amenorrhea
B) Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, dental erosion
C) Hyperthermia, tachycardia, increased metabolic rate
D) Excessive anxiety about symptoms

Answer 1

When assessing a client with anorexia nervosa hospitalized for electrolyte imbalance and cardiac dysrhythmias, additional findings such as brittle hair, lanugo, and amenorrhea are expected due to malnutrition and severe weight loss.

Step-by-step explanation:

A client with anorexia nervosa is hospitalized with electrolyte imbalance and cardiac dysrhythmias. The nurse would expect to observe additional assessment findings such as:

• Brittle hair, which is a sign of malnutrition.
• Lanugo, which is soft, fine hair growing on the face and body as a result of the body trying to insulate itself due to loss of fat.
• Amenorrhea, which is the absence of menstruation due to low body weight and hormonal disruptions.

These symptoms are directly related to the restricted food intake and severe weight loss prevalent in anorexia nervosa. This illness can result in serious health consequences including bone loss, weakening of the heart, dizziness, heart failure, and in extreme cases, death.