Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

Clients with anorexia nervosa often avoid conflict and struggle to express which emotions?

1. Fear and anxiety

2. Joy and happiness

3. Anger and guilt

4. Shock and confusion

The correct answer is: Anger and guilt

Clients with anorexia nervosa frequently struggle with expressing anger and guilt, which are complex emotions tied to their state of mind and underlying psychological issues. Individuals with this eating disorder often have a difficult relationship with these emotions; they may feel guilty about their eating habits or the impact their disorder has on themselves and their loved ones. Additionally, anger can be repressed as they tend to avoid conflict and confrontation, often leading to internalizing their feelings instead. This inability to express anger can also be linked to issues of control, as they might perceive expressing anger as a loss of control. In contrast, fear and anxiety, while relevant, are typically more visible in the behaviors associated with anorexia nervosa, as these emotions can manifest in the obsession with weight and food. Joy and happiness might not be as connected because individuals with this disorder often experience an emotional flatness or lack of enjoyment in activities due to their intense focus on weight control. Shock and confusion may also occur but are generally transient emotions rather than those consistently suppressed or avoided. Thus, anger and guilt are the primary emotions that individuals with anorexia often struggle to express, making this the most suitable choice.