Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Canada Examination (RPNCE) Practice test

Which symptom would indicate that Susan's vomiting is a repetitive behaviour?

1. Unsteady gait

2. Muscle weakness

3. Body tremors

4. Dental enamel erosion

The correct answer is: Dental enamel erosion

The symptom that indicates Susan's vomiting is a repetitive behavior is dental enamel erosion. This is because repetitive vomiting can lead to the exposure of teeth to stomach acid, which gradually erodes the protective enamel. Over time, this can manifest as visible wear on the teeth, increased sensitivity, and changes in dental health. In contrast, symptoms like unsteady gait, muscle weakness, and body tremors are not directly linked to the act of vomiting itself as a repetitive behavior. These symptoms may be indicative of other underlying health issues or complications but do not specifically reflect the effects of frequent vomiting in the same way dental enamel erosion does. Therefore, observing dental enamel erosion serves as a clear and chronic consequence of ongoing vomiting episodes, highlighting the behavior's repetitive nature.