A nurse working in the psychiatric unit is providing care for a young woman diagnosed with anorexia nervosa.The woman's uric acid level is 9.4 mg/dL.Based on this result, which of the following statements by the nurse is best?
A)"You need to eat things that have a high vitamin C level to help promote healing."
B)"Your labs indicate tissue is being destroyed because you are starving your body."
C)"It is important that you increase your intake of iron-rich foods since your body is not making enough red blood cells."
D)"You are dehydrated, so the doctor may want to order IV fluids if you don't start drinking at least 1,000 mL each day."

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

An elevated uric acid level can indicate tissue breakdown, which can occur due to starvation and can lead to serious medical complications. Choice A is incorrect as vitamin C does not have a significant role in the treatment of anorexia nervosa or elevated uric acid levels. Choice C is incorrect as anemia is a common complication of anorexia, but it is not related to elevated uric acid levels. Choice D is incorrect as dehydration can also occur in anorexia nervosa, but it is not directly related to elevated uric acid levels.

A Nurse Working in the Psychiatric Unit Is Providing Care