The nurse is performing the history and physical examination on a client who is being admitted for anorexia nervosa. The client, a 23-year-old woman, is 5 feet 2 inches and weighs 82 lb
The nurse assesses her history of weight gain and loss, typical daily food intake, electrolyte and other blood studies, and elimination patterns. The nurse observes characteristic physical findings such as dry skin, lanugo, and brittle hair and nails. Which of the following factors is a priority for the nurse to assess next?
A) Throat and esophagus
B) Condition of mouth and gums
C) Heart rate and rhythm
D) Patterns of activity and rest
Ans: C
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Physical examination may reveal numerous symptoms related to disturbances in nutrition and metabolism. Possible findings include dehydration, hypokalemia, cardiac dysrhythmia, hypotension, bradycardia, dry skin, brittle hair and nails, lanugo, frequent infections, dental caries, inflammation of the throat and esophagus, swollen parotid glands (from purging), amenorrhea, and hypothermia. A priority area to assess during physical examination is electrolyte abnormalities and associated cardiac dysfunction.
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