Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 90%
Simulated
A nurse is assessing a client with suspected anorexia nervosa. Which finding is most indicative of this disorder?
Correct answer
B
Rationale
The correct answer is B: Excessive weight loss and fear of gaining weight. This finding is most indicative of anorexia nervosa because it aligns with the key diagnostic criteria of the disorder, which include significantly low body weight, an intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted body image. Individuals with anorexia nervosa often engage in restrictive eating behaviors to achieve extreme weight loss due to their fear of gaining weight. This choice is more relevant to anorexia nervosa compared to the other options. A: Frequent vomiting after meals is more characteristic of bulimia nervosa. C: Binge eating followed by laxative use is more indicative of bulimia nervosa or binge eating disorder. D: Normal weight with excessive exercise may be seen in individuals with other eating disorders or body image issues, but it is not as specific to anorexia nervosa as excessive weight loss and fear of gaining weight.