Age Specific Care Related

Review Age Specific Care related questions and content

A patient has anorexia nervosa. The history shows the patient virtually stopped eating 5 months ago and lost 25% of body weight. The serum potassium is 2.7 mg/dL. Which nursing diagnosis applies?

  • A. Adult failure to thrive related to abuse of laxatives, as evidenced by electrolyte imbalances and weight loss
  • B. Ineffective health maintenance related to self-induced vomiting, as evidenced by swollen parotid glands and hyperkalemia
  • C. Disturbed energy field related to physical exertion in excess of energy produced through caloric intake, as evidenced by weight loss and hyperkalemia
  • D. Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements related to refusal to eat, as evidenced by loss of 25% of body weight and hypokalemia
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements related to refusal to eat, as evidenced by loss of 25% of body weight and hypokalemia.

Rationale:
1. Anorexia nervosa involves severe restriction of food intake, leading to significant weight loss and malnutrition.
2. The patient's history of virtually stopping eating and losing 25% of body weight aligns with the nursing diagnosis of imbalanced nutrition.
3. Hypokalemia (low serum potassium level) is common in patients with anorexia nervosa due to inadequate intake or purging behaviors.
4. The other choices are incorrect because they do not match the patient's specific presentation of anorexia nervosa and hypokalemia.