Final answer:
Bulimia nervosa is associated with lab abnormalities including electrolyte imbalances and metabolic alkalosis due to repeated bingeing and purging, with potential severe complications like heart failure or esophageal rupture.
Step-by-step explanation:
The lab abnormalities associated with bulimia nervosa typically involve electrolyte imbalances due to recurrent bingeing and purging behaviors. These imbalances can result in medical complications such as an irregular heartbeat, which in severe cases, may lead to heart failure and possibly death. In addition, frequent vomiting seen in bulimia can also lead to the rupture of the stomach or esophagus and erode dental enamel, posing severe health risks. A case study example includes a patient with a high blood pH level and elevated bicarbonate indicating a state of metabolic alkalosis, likely due to the loss of stomach acid from persistent vomiting. This indicates the body's attempt to compensate for the acid-base disturbance caused by the bulimic behavior.