Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

What is a key factor in diagnosing bulimia nervosa?

1. Restricted eating for weeks

2. Binge eating and purging twice a week for 3 months

3. Frequent dieting attempts

4. Self-induced vomiting once a month

The correct answer is: Binge eating and purging twice a week for 3 months

Binge eating and purging at least twice a week for a duration of three months is a key criterion for diagnosing bulimia nervosa according to established diagnostic guidelines. This pattern of behavior is essential in the classification of the disorder, as it reflects the cyclical nature of bingeing followed by compensatory behaviors, which is central to bulimia nervosa. Understanding this criterion helps healthcare providers identify the severity and the specific characteristics of the disorder. In contrast, while restricted eating and frequent dieting attempts may be associated with disordered eating patterns, they do not fulfill the specific diagnostic criteria for bulimia nervosa. Additionally, self-induced vomiting occurring once a month also does not meet the frequency or duration required for diagnosis. Therefore, the emphasis on the frequency of binge-purge episodes is critical in accurately diagnosing the condition and distinguishing it from other eating disorders.