All of the following are signs of anorexia nervosa, except?

Appeared in: BHU NO - 2015

Explanation

Anorexia nervosa is fundamentally defined by the restriction of food intake relative to requirements, leading to a significantly low body weight.
Behaviors include eating very little, avoiding high-calorie foods, and counting calories obsessively.
Therefore, 'frequent eating habits' is the direct opposite of the characteristic behavior seen in individuals with this disorder.

Option B: Dry hair and skin are classic physical manifestations of the malnutrition and dehydration that result from the severe food restriction in anorexia nervosa.
Option C: Fatigue, weakness, and lack of energy are common and direct consequences of starvation and inadequate caloric intake characteristic of anorexia nervosa.
Option D: An anxious and hopeless look reflects the severe psychological distress, including anxiety, depression, and body dysmorphia, that is a core component of anorexia nervosa.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Signs and symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a vital role in identifying the subtle signs of eating disorders during routine assessments. Recognizing a combination of physical signs (e.g., low BMI, dry skin) and behavioral cues (e.g., food avoidance) is key for early referral and intervention.
Monitoring for these signs is crucial for assessing the severity of the illness and the risk of medical complications like electrolyte imbalances and cardiac issues.
What if? If the patient exhibited frequent eating but it was followed by compensatory behaviors like self-induced vomiting or laxative abuse, the diagnosis would likely be Bulimia Nervosa, not Anorexia Nervosa. The presence of binge-purge cycles is the key differentiator.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify that the question uses the word 'except'. This means you are looking for the option that is NOT a true sign of anorexia nervosa.
Recall the primary characteristic of anorexia nervosa, which is severe food restriction and an intense fear of gaining weight.
Evaluate each option against this core concept.
Option A, 'Frequent eating habits,' directly contradicts the restrictive nature of the disorder.
Options B, C, and D (dry skin, fatigue, anxious look) are all well-documented physical and psychological consequences of the self-starvation and mental distress associated with anorexia.
Conclude that the option that does not fit is the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Guide to Mental Health & PSYCHIATRIC NURSING R Sreevani— Part 2 (pp 290-564 of 579) p. 58-60

E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 1 p. 315-317

Practise the full BHU NO - 2015

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.