Which symptom is commonly expected in a client with anorexia nervosa?

Amenorrhea, or the absence of menstruation, is a commonly expected symptom in individuals with anorexia nervosa. This condition is frequently associated with significant weight loss and nutritional deficiencies, which can disrupt the normal hormonal balance required for menstruation. In females, the body responds to extreme weight loss and low body fat by reducing the production of reproductive hormones such as estrogen, leading to the cessation of menstrual periods.

While irregular heartbeat can also occur due to electrolyte imbalances or heart muscle changes associated with anorexia, it is not as universally applicable as amenorrhea in individuals diagnosed with this disorder. Weight gain and high energy levels are contrary to the symptoms typically presented in anorexia nervosa; individuals usually experience weight loss and reduced energy as a result of malnutrition. Therefore, amenorrhea is a clear and well-documented symptom linked to the physiological changes that occur in anorexia nervosa.