Question

A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who has anorexia nervosa. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indication the client requires hospitalization? a. Total body fat 8.7% b. Potassium 3.6 mEq/L c. Temperature 35.8° C (96.4° F) d. Heart rate 54/min

Answer 1

The correct answer is c. Temperature 35.8° C (96.4° F) which indicates hypothermia and requires immediate hospitalization, as this is a serious complication of anorexia nervosa.

Step-by-step explanation:

A student asked which of the following findings in a client with anorexia nervosa indicates a need for hospitalization: a. Total body fat 8.7%, b. Potassium 3.6 mEq/L, c. Temperature 35.8° C (96.4° F), or d. Heart rate 54/min. The correct answer is c. Temperature 35.8° C (96.4° F). A body temperature lower than 36.1° C (97° F) can indicate hypothermia and is a critical condition that would require immediate hospitalization to address potential complications like cardiac arrest, respiratory issues, or systemic infections which are serious risks associated with anorexia nervosa.

Answer 2

A nurse should recognize that a client with anorexia nervosa and a temperature of 35.8° C (96.4° F) requires hospitalization due to the risk of hypothermia, despite other normal or low normal vital signs.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse reviewing the medical record of a client with anorexia nervosa should identify the client's low temperature as an indication that the client requires hospitalization. While a total body fat of 8.7% is concerning, a heart rate of 54/min falls within low normal limits, and a potassium level of 3.6 mEq/L is actually within the normal range. However, a temperature of 35.8° C (96.4° F) is indicative of hypothermia, a potentially serious condition that would typically necessitate medical intervention due to the risk of cardiac arrest and other metabolic complications linked to anorexia nervosa and starvation.