During a well-child physical, an adolescent female has a normal history and physical except for an excessive amount of tooth enamel erosion, a greater-than-normal number of filled cavities, and calluses on the back of her hand. Her body mass index is in the 50th to 75th percentile for her age. Which disorder is the nurse concerned about based on the assessment findings?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The excessive enamel erosion and filled cavities suggest bulimia nervosa, as frequent vomiting can cause damage to the teeth and contribute to cavities. Calluses on the back of the hand may indicate self-induced vomiting. The BMI in the 50th to 75th percentile does not necessarily rule out bulimia nervosa, as individuals with this disorder may maintain a normal weight or even be overweight. Anorexia nervosa is characterized by emaciation and extreme weight loss, while kwashiorkor and marasmus are forms of severe malnutrition that are typically observed in developing countries.

During a Well-Child Physical, an Adolescent Female Has a Normal