# A client with anorexia nervosa is admitted for medical stabilization. Which finding requires immediate follow-up?

> source: MyMerci (mymerci.kr)  
> url: https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=397349&lang=en  
> language: en  
> subject: Mental Health Concepts  
> category: PSI

## Question

A client with anorexia nervosa is admitted for medical stabilization. Which finding requires immediate follow-up?

## Option

1. Dry skin on the elbows.
2. Client states, "I feel fat."
3. Potassium 2.8 mEq/L with dizziness. **✔ Correct answer**
4. Lanugo on the arms.

**Correct answer: 3**

## 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.

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