Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer (BOC) Practice Test

Which of the following complications associated with disordered eating has been linked to sudden death?

1. Osteoporosis

2. Electrolyte abnormalities

3. Dysmenorrhea

4. Amenorrhea

The correct answer is: Electrolyte abnormalities

Electrolyte abnormalities are a significant concern in individuals experiencing disordered eating, particularly with conditions such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa. These conditions often lead to severe imbalances in essential electrolytes like potassium, sodium, and chloride due to restrictive eating patterns, purging behaviors, or excessive exercise. When electrolyte levels are disrupted, particularly low potassium levels (hypokalemia), it can lead to critical health issues, including cardiac arrhythmias. These arrhythmias can escalate rapidly and may culminate in sudden cardiac arrest, which is a known risk factor linked to sudden death in individuals suffering from severe eating disorders. The other options, while they present serious health concerns, do not carry the same immediacy or risk of sudden death as electrolyte abnormalities do. For instance, osteoporosis develops over time and is more related to long-term bone density loss rather than acute medical emergencies. Dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation) and amenorrhea (absence of menstruation) are important issues to address but are not typically associated with the immediate, life-threatening complications seen with electrolyte imbalances.