Psychiatric Technician Practice Exam

What potential complication might arise for a patient with anorexia nervosa or bulimia?

1. Fatigue syndrome

2. Electrolyte imbalance

3. Chronic dehydration

4. Low blood pressure

The correct answer is: Electrolyte imbalance

A patient with anorexia nervosa or bulimia is at a significant risk for electrolyte imbalance due to the nature of these eating disorders. Anorexia nervosa, characterized by extreme restriction of food intake, and bulimia, which involves cycles of binge eating followed by purging, can both lead to severe disruptions in the body's electrolyte levels, such as sodium, potassium, and chloride. Electrolytes play a crucial role in maintaining bodily functions, including muscle contractions, heart function, and fluid balance. When these levels become imbalanced, the patient may experience various serious health issues. For instance, hypokalemia (low potassium levels) can lead to cardiac arrhythmias, which can be life-threatening. The purging behaviors commonly associated with bulimia can also lead to losses of electrolytes, compounding the risk of serious health complications. In contrast, while fatigue syndrome, chronic dehydration, and low blood pressure can be associated with eating disorders, they are typically secondary or less direct complications compared to electrolyte imbalance, which presents immediate and potentially life-threatening risks. Hence, the most pertinent complication arising from anorexia nervosa and bulimia is indeed an electrolyte imbalance.