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Which behavior is most characteristic of a patient with bulimia nervosa?

  • A. Refusal to eat and excessive weight loss.
  • B. Binge eating followed by purging or excessive exercise.
  • C. Severe caloric restriction and weight obsession.
  • D. Compulsive overeating with no attempt to control intake.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because it describes the hallmark behavior of bulimia nervosa, which involves recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as purging or excessive exercise. This behavior pattern distinguishes bulimia from other eating disorders. Refusal to eat and excessive weight loss (A) is more indicative of anorexia nervosa. Severe caloric restriction and weight obsession (C) are more characteristic of anorexia as well. Compulsive overeating with no attempt to control intake (D) is more aligned with binge eating disorder, not bulimia nervosa.