Adult Health Nursing Study Guide Answers Related

Review Adult Health Nursing Study Guide Answers related questions and content

Which of the following conditions may lead to death in a bulimic patient like sherry?

  • A. Hypokalemia and cardiac arrhythmias and arrest
  • B. Metabolic acidosis and renal failure
  • C. Hyponatremia and circulatory collapse
  • D. Hypernatremia and congestive heart failure
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as self-induced vomiting, fasting, or excessive exercise. The repeated purging in bulimia can lead to electrolyte imbalances, such as hypokalemia (low potassium levels). Hypokalemia is a serious condition that can affect the function of the heart's electrical system, potentially leading to the development of cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) and even cardiac arrest, which can result in death. Therefore, in a bulimic patient like Sherry, the risk of death is most likely due to the combination of hypokalemia and its complications, such as cardiac arrhythmias and arrest.