Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

Which symptom is commonly exhibited by clients with bulimia nervosa?

1. Severe weight loss

2. Impulsivity

3. Excessive exercise

4. Social withdrawal

The correct answer is: Impulsivity

Clients with bulimia nervosa often exhibit impulsivity as a common symptom. This impulsivity can manifest in various behaviors, such as engaging in binge eating episodes followed by compensatory methods like purging or excessive exercising. Individuals with bulimia may also demonstrate impulsive behaviors that extend beyond eating, such as substance abuse or risky activities. This pattern is linked to the emotional dysregulation often seen in those who struggle with the disorder, as they may use food and related behaviors as coping mechanisms for managing stress or emotional distress. While severe weight loss and excessive exercise might be associated with other eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, they are not hallmark symptoms of bulimia nervosa, which typically involves maintaining a body weight that is within a normal range or slightly overweight. Social withdrawal can also occur, but it is more frequently associated with the broader context of eating disorders or other mental health issues rather than being a specific symptom of bulimia nervosa itself. Thus, impulsivity stands out as a significant and defining characteristic in individuals dealing with this disorder.