Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

Which disorder is characterized by self-induced starvation?

1. Binge Eating Disorder

2. Bulimia Nervosa

3. Anorexia Nervosa

4. Wernicke's Syndrome

The correct answer is: Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia Nervosa is characterized by self-induced starvation, which leads to significant weight loss and a distorted body image. Individuals suffering from this eating disorder have an intense fear of gaining weight and may engage in extreme dietary restriction, excessive exercise, or other behaviors aimed at losing weight. This can result in severe health complications due to malnutrition, affecting physical and psychological well-being. In contrast, Binge Eating Disorder involves episodes of consuming large amounts of food without the subsequent compensatory behaviors typically seen in bulimia. Bulimia Nervosa includes cycles of binge eating followed by purging or other methods to prevent weight gain, not solely starvation. Wernicke's Syndrome, on the other hand, is a neurological disorder caused by thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency and is not related to an eating disorder characterized by starvation.