Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

What laboratory finding is anticipated in an adolescent with a binge-and-purge eating disorder?

1. Increased potassium levels

2. Increased bicarbonate levels

3. Decreased bicarbonate levels

4. Normal electrolyte levels

The correct answer is: Increased bicarbonate levels

In an adolescent with a binge-and-purge eating disorder, decreased bicarbonate levels are commonly observed. This is primarily due to the metabolic changes that occur as a consequence of frequent purging behaviors, which often involve vomiting. When individuals purge, they lose not only food and calories but also significant amounts of gastric juices, which are rich in hydrochloric acid. This loss leads to a condition known as metabolic acidosis, where the body is unable to maintain a normal acid-base balance, resulting in decreased bicarbonate levels. Bicarbonate is crucial for buffering acids in the bloodstream, and its decrease is indicative of the body's attempt to compensate for the excess acidity resulting from the loss of gastric acid during purging. This can lead to an imbalance in electrolytes and can also affect other related metabolic processes. In summary, the anticipated laboratory finding of decreased bicarbonate levels aligns well with the physiological impact of binge-and-purge behaviors, reflecting the body's response to electrolyte and acid-base disturbances.