P.R. is a 19-year-old male model. He has experienced a rapid…
P.R. is a 19-year-old male model. He has experienced a rapid decrease in weight over the last four months after his agent told him he would have to lose some weight or lose a coveted account. P.R. is 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighs 132 pounds, down from his usual 176 pounds. He is brought to the emergency department by his best friend after he fainted on set. BP: 82/42, T: 97.2, P: 44, R: 18. EKG shows prolonged QT interval. His lab results include a K of 2.3. He has become extremely depressed saying, “I’m too fat. I don’t want anything to eat. If I gain weight, my life will be ruined. There is nothing to live for if I can’t model. It’s my life. You just don’t understand.” P.R.’s parents arrive and are scared and confused by his comments. His best friend is worried about his health and feels powerless to help him. As P.R.’s nurse, you are concerned about his fragile physiological status. He is complaining of fatigue, cramping of the muscles in his legs, palpitations, abdominal cramping, and bloating. Clearly, he is experiencing signs and symptoms of: