A 26-year-old woman with a two-year eating disorder is admitted with cramps and profound weakness. She weighs…

Question

A 26-year-old woman with a two-year eating disorder is admitted with cramps and profound weakness. She weighs 58 kg and has not lost weight. She denies vomiting and denies taking any medication, and her bowels open once daily and are formed. Investigations: sodium 138 mmol/L (135-145), potassium 2.7 mmol/L (3.5-5.2), chloride 88 mmol/L (95-110), bicarbonate 35 mmol/L (22-32), pH 7.50 (7.35-7.45), and spot urinary chloride 8 mmol/L. Which one of the following behaviours best explains this biochem…

Accepted Answer

Self-induced vomiting

Answer

Chewing and spitting out food

Answer

Excessive water drinking

Answer

Laxative misuse

Answer

Thiazide diuretic misuse

More from Psychiatry