What medical complication can result from purging in eating disorders?

Purging in eating disorders primarily leads to electrolyte abnormalities, making this the correct choice. When individuals engage in purging behaviors, such as vomiting or excessive use of laxatives, it can disrupt the balance of electrolytes in the body. Electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, and chloride, are crucial for maintaining proper physiological functions, including muscle contractions and nerve signaling.

This disruption can lead to dangerous conditions. For instance, a significant drop in potassium levels (hypokalemia) can cause severe complications like muscle weakness, irregular heartbeats, and even cardiac arrest, underscoring the seriousness of the consequences associated with purging.

While dehydration can also occur due to purging, it is often a secondary consequence of electrolyte imbalances rather than a direct result on its own. Gastrointestinal hemorrhage is a more severe complication that might occur with chronic purging behaviors but is not as common as the electrolyte disturbances. Cardiac arrest, while a serious concern, is often a result of prolonged electrolyte abnormalities rather than a direct complication of purging itself.

Overall, the emphasis on the direct connection between purging behavior and the resultant electrolyte imbalances makes it clear why this is the most appropriate answer.