심화 해설
Clinical Judgment
This question evaluates your ability to determine the severity of a patient with Anorexia Nervosa and prioritize immediate nursing interventions. The key is to identify the finding that indicates the most immediate threat to life, marked by Notify HCP!. While all options are typical findings of the disease, the Critical Cue is cardiovascular instability. A heart rate of 45 beats/min and an irregular rhythm signify severe bradycardia and arrhythmia, which is an emergency that can lead to cardiac arrest. This is a sign of myocardial damage due to severe malnutrition and electrolyte imbalances (especially hypokalemia and hypophosphatemia), requiring immediate medical intervention.
Memory Tip:
Cardiac comes First! When assessing eating disorders, remember the basic principle of ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation). Bradycardia and Irregular rhythm are signs of a Big Issue.
KR vs US:
In Korea, a heart rate of 45 beats/min might be found in athletes and could be evaluated differently depending on the context, but in the US NGN/NCLEX context, bradycardia and irregular rhythm in a patient with Anorexia Nervosa are always considered the highest-risk signal. In Korean clinical practice, this might be judged comprehensively alongside electrolyte levels, but the exam asks about the absolute priority for life-threatening signs.
임상 시나리오
Clinical Practice Guide
The initial evaluation of patients with anorexia nervosa focuses on screening for life-threatening complications. Use the CAGE tool (heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, electrolytes).
1. Cardiovascular system: Monitor for bradycardia (HR
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