Feeding and eating disorders: The Daily PANCE Blueprint
Which of the following electrolytes and metabolic disturbances would you most likely expect in a patient with anorexia nervosa who purges to maintain a low body weight?
A. Hypokalemia, hypochloremia, metabolic acidosis
B. Hyperchloremia and metabolic alkalosis
C. Hyperkalemia and metabolic acidosis
D. Hypercalcemia and metabolic acidosis
E. Hypokalemia, hypochloremia, metabolic alkalosis
Answer and topic summary
The answer is E. Hypokalemia, hypochloremia, metabolic alkalosis
Eating disorders are defined by severe, persistent disturbances in eating habits and concern or dissatisfaction with body weight. Anorexia nervosa in particular is characterized by restriction of energy intake leading to low body weight with an intense fear of gaining weight. Medical complications of anorexia are serious and can include: osteoporosis, decreased renal function, hypothermia, bradycardia, decreased cardiac muscle mass, thyroid disease, and electrolyte disturbances (especially hypokalemia, hypochloremia, and metabolic alkalosis in those who purge). Management is to restore their nutritional state and to help them modify their eating behaviors. Stable patients should be referred to a dietician and psychiatrist (for cognitive behavioral therapy).
View blueprint lesson
Smarty PANCE Content Blueprint Review:
Covered under ⇒ PANCE Blueprint Psychiatry ⇒
Also covered as part of the Psychiatry EOR topic list
