Russell's sign in bulimia nervosa refers to which finding?

Russell's sign in bulimia nervosa refers to which finding?

• A. Calluses on the dorsum of the hands
• B. Erosion of dental enamel
• C. Parotid gland enlargement
• D. Hair loss

Answer: (A)

Russell's sign reflects chronic self-induced vomiting. It manifests as calluses on the dorsum of the hands, especially over the knuckles, from repeatedly rubbing the teeth during vomiting. This sign points to purging behavior in bulimia nervosa. Other effects of vomiting, like dental enamel erosion or parotid gland enlargement, can occur but are not Russell's sign, and hair loss is not specific to bulimia.

Russell's sign reflects chronic self-induced vomiting. It manifests as calluses on the dorsum of the hands, especially over the knuckles, from repeatedly rubbing the teeth during vomiting. This sign points to purging behavior in bulimia nervosa. Other effects of vomiting, like dental enamel erosion or parotid gland enlargement, can occur but are not Russell's sign, and hair loss is not specific to bulimia.