A patient has a maladaptive response to eating regulation. Findings include the following: height, 5 feet 3 inches; current weight, 80 pounds with weight loss of 30% of body weight over the past 3 months; T, 96.6m F; BP, 68/40; P, 40; R, 20; poor skin turgor; lanugo; amenorrhea of 6 months' duration; admits to restricting intake to 350 calories daily; is a vegetarian; dissatisfied with eating pattern as evidenced by patient statement, 'I need to lose another 10 pounds to be at ideal weight'; diagnostic testing reveals serum potassium of 2.9 mEq/L and urine specific gravity of 1.028. Which of the following would be the highest priority nursing diagnosis for this patient?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Deficient fluid volume. The patient is displaying signs of severe malnutrition and dehydration, as evidenced by significant weight loss, low blood pressure, low heart rate, and poor skin turgor. The low serum potassium and high urine specific gravity indicate dehydration. Addressing fluid volume deficiency is the top priority to stabilize the patient's condition and prevent further complications like electrolyte imbalances and organ damage. Choices A and B are important but secondary to addressing the immediate threat of dehydration. Choice D is not the priority as the patient's primary concern is physiological rather than psychological.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.