A client with anorexia nervosa is admitted for medical stabilization. Which finding requires immediate follow-up?
1Potassium 2.8 mEq/L with dizziness.✓ Correct answer
2Dry skin on the elbows.
3Lanugo on the arms.
4Client states, "I feel fat."
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.
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 Practice GuideFor Eating disorder hypokalemia risk, compare the complete cue pattern with the client's current stability, ordered data, and expected nursing scope.
CautionDo not choose an action from one isolated cue when the full scenario changes priority or safety.
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.