A 17-year-old girl with a long-standing diagnosis of bulimia nervosa has been admitted to the emergency department after collapsing in a mall. The care team that admits the client to the hospital should prioritize which of the following assessments?
A) Complete blood count and differential
B) Breath sounds and oxygen saturation levels
C) Cardiac assessment and measurement of electrolyte levels
D) Psychosocial assessment and determination of coping skills
Ans: C
While this client would certainly receive a CBC and respiratory assessment, the priority assessment in this client with her short-term and long-term histories would be focused on electrolyte levels and cardiac abnormalities, both of which are common manifestations of the repeated vomiting that characterizes bulimia nervosa. Physical assessments would supersede psychosocial assessments in the emergency setting.
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