Which signs may indicate a client is developing anorexia nervosa?

The presence of brittle, dry nails can indeed indicate a client developing anorexia nervosa. This condition often leads to nutritional deficiencies, including a lack of essential vitamins and minerals that are crucial for maintaining healthy skin, hair, and nails. Inadequate protein intake, dehydration, and a deficiency in essential fatty acids can contribute to the deterioration of nail health, making them brittle and dry.

Moreover, individuals with anorexia may experience overall body weakness and changes due to malnutrition, which can further influence the health of their nails. A person exhibiting these symptoms should be assessed further for potential eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, particularly if accompanied by other signs of extreme weight loss or restrictive eating behaviors.

In contrast, the other options reflect potentials signs but are not as direct indicators of anorexia nervosa as brittle, dry nails. Tight-fitting clothes may not be specific to the disorder and could simply reflect personal fashion choices. Oily, elastic skin typically suggests a different set of dermatological conditions or lifestyle factors unrelated to anorexia, while gingival infections may suggest poor oral hygiene or nutritional status but do not directly signal anorexia nervosa.