When assessing the adolescent with anorexia, which of the following would the nurse expect to find?
Assessing the Adolescent with Anorexia
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by an irrational fear of gaining weight, leading to self-imposed starvation and excessive weight loss. When assessing an adolescent with anorexia, there are specific signs and symptoms that a nurse would expect to find. Let's explore some of the common expectations when working with patients diagnosed with anorexia.
Expectations:
When assessing the adolescent with anorexia, the nurse would expect to find the following:
A) Tachycardia: Incorrect - The correct answer is a slow heart rate known as bradycardia. Patients with anorexia typically have a slow heart rate due to the body conserving energy. Tachycardia, or a fast heart rate, is not a typical finding in individuals with anorexia.
B) Hypertension: Not typical - Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is usually not associated with anorexia. The body's response to starvation typically does not involve an increase in blood pressure.
C) Fever: Uncommon - Fever is not a common symptom of anorexia. While individuals with anorexia may experience changes in body temperature due to malnutrition, a fever is not a typical finding.
D) Murmur: Indirect - While a murmur could be present in an individual with anorexia, it is not a direct consequence of the eating disorder. A murmur may result from complications or comorbid conditions but is not a primary finding associated with anorexia.
Final answer:
The correct answer to the question is a slow heart rate known as bradycardia, not tachycardia. Tachycardia is not typically found in individuals with anorexia. Hypertension and fever are also not typical findings in anorexia. While a murmur may be present, it is not directly related to anorexia.
Explanation:
Patients with anorexia commonly exhibit a slow heart rate, or bradycardia, due to the body conserving energy in response to starvation. Tachycardia is not typically observed in individuals with anorexia. Hypertension and fever are also uncommon findings in individuals with anorexia. While a murmur may be present due to complications or comorbid conditions, it is not a primary symptom directly associated with anorexia.
The correct answer to the question is a slow heart rate known as bradycardia, not tachycardia. Hypertension, fever, and murmur are not typical findings in individuals with anorexia.