A nurse is caring for a patient with bulimia nervosa. The nurse should monitor for which of the following complications?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Nutritional deficiency and dehydration. In bulimia nervosa, recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by purging can lead to electrolyte imbalances, dehydration, and malnutrition. Monitoring for nutritional deficiencies and dehydration is crucial in managing patients with bulimia nervosa.
Explanation for why other choices are incorrect:
B: Respiratory failure and aspiration pneumonia - Although purging behaviors can increase the risk of aspiration pneumonia, it is not as common as nutritional deficiencies and dehydration in patients with bulimia nervosa.
C: Peripheral edema and hyperkalemia - These complications are not typically associated with bulimia nervosa.
D: Mental confusion and decreased blood pressure - While electrolyte imbalances can lead to mental confusion, these specific complications are not as common as nutritional deficiencies and dehydration in patients with bulimia nervosa.