A client with anorexia nervosa is admitted for medical stabi… | MyMerci
Mental Health ConceptsPSI
Question
A client with anorexia nervosa is admitted for medical stabilization. Which finding requires immediate follow-up?
1Dry skin on the elbows.
2Client states, "I feel fat."
3Potassium 2.8 mEq/L with dizziness.✓ Correct answer
4Lanugo on the arms.
Explanation
Severe hypokalemia can cause life-threatening dysrhythmias and requires immediate follow-up, especially with dizziness or weakness. Body image disturbance, dry skin, and lanugo are important findings but are not the most urgent physiologic risk.
In-depth explanation
Clinical Judgment Use the client cues, timing, labs, and safety risks to select the response that best fits Eating disorder hypokalemia risk.
Memory Tip Match the strongest cue cluster to the safest nursing judgment.
KR vs US NCLEX items reward cue-based priority thinking rather than isolated recall.
Clinical scenario
Clinical Practice Guide For Eating disorder hypokalemia risk, compare the complete cue pattern with the client's current stability, ordered data, and expected nursing scope.
Caution Do not choose an action from one isolated cue when the full scenario changes priority or safety.
Key concepts
Anorexia Nervosa — An eating disorder involving restriction, low weight, and distorted body image.
Hypokalemia — Low serum potassium that can cause dysrhythmias and muscle weakness.
Lanugo — Fine body hair that may appear with severe malnutrition.