Practice Question
The death rate from anorexia is higher than any other mental illness. Death usually results from which of the following? (Select all that apply.)
Answer Choices:
Correct Answer:
Electrolyte imbalances
Rationale:
Electrolyte imbalances
🟣 Life-threatening dysrhythmias – Severe hypokalemia, hyponatremia, and hypomagnesemia can lead to cardiac arrhythmias and sudden cardiac arrest.
🟣 Common in purging behaviors – Vomiting, laxative, and diuretic abuse accelerate electrolyte loss, worsening the risk.
🟣 Nursing priority – Close monitoring of electrolytes is essential to prevent cardiovascular collapse.
Suicide
🟣 Rationale:
🟣 High psychiatric comorbidity – Anorexia nervosa often coexists with major depression and anxiety disorders, increasing suicide risk.
🟣 Hopelessness and body image distress – Distorted body image and feelings of failure contribute to suicidal ideation.
🟣 Critical intervention – Continuous mental health assessment and suicide prevention strategies are crucial.
Dehydration
🟣 Fluid volume depletion – Severe caloric restriction and purging lead to significant fluid losses.
🟣 Physiological impact – Hypovolemia contributes to renal failure, hypotension, and shock, which may progress to death.
🟣 Management focus – Requires careful fluid and electrolyte replacement under medical supervision.
Loss of critical muscle mass
🟣 Cardiac muscle wasting – Extreme malnutrition causes myocardial atrophy, reducing cardiac output and increasing heart failure risk.
🟣 Respiratory compromise – Loss of diaphragmatic and intercostal muscle mass impairs breathing, contributing to respiratory failure.
🟣 Nutritional rehabilitation – Restoration of adequate protein intake is key to prevent organ failure.
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This question is from ATI LPN Mental Health Quiz Chapter 19-24 which contains 25 questions.
More Questions from This Exam
A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a group of adolescents regarding identifying behavioral indicators of depression. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse include? (Select all that apply.)
Answer Choices:
A client continually reports physical symptoms in the absence of objective clinical findings. The nurse should suspect which of the following disorders?
Answer Choices:
The client has recently started antidepressant drug therapy. He approaches the nurse complaining of a headache, palpitations, and stiffness in the neck. What is the nurse's priority action?
Answer Choices:
Depression in adolescence usually is related to loneliness, family strengths, self-esteem, and which of the following?
Answer Choices:
What is the main issue for adolescents with anorexia?
Answer Choices:
Question Details
- Category: LPN Nursing Exam(s)
- Subcategory: LPN ATI Exams
- Domain: Mental Health
- Answer Choices: 5