What is a physical characteristic often found on the body of a client with anorexia nervosa?

A common physical characteristic found on the body of a client with anorexia nervosa is lanugo. This fine, soft hair often develops in response to extreme weight loss and malnutrition as the body attempts to maintain its warmth and protect itself. The presence of lanugo serves as an adaptive mechanism, indicating that the body is in a state of starvation and is trying to insulate itself in the absence of significant body fat. This change is often seen in individuals who are severely underweight and can be a noticeable sign that healthcare providers look for in diagnosing anorexia nervosa.

In contrast, hirsutism, keratosis, and acne are typically associated with other medical conditions or hormonal imbalances rather than being direct physical manifestations of anorexia nervosa. Hirsutism relates to excessive hair growth due to hormonal issues, keratosis is more associated with skin conditions or prolonged sun exposure, and acne can arise from various factors including hormonal fluctuations but is not specifically linked to malnutrition or the physiological responses seen in anorexia.