In patients with bulimia, the callus formation on the dorsum of the hand is referred to as what sign?

In patients with bulimia, the callus formation on the dorsum of the hand is referred to as Russell sign. This phenomenon occurs as a result of self-induced vomiting, where individuals may use their hands to stimulate the gag reflex, leading to repeated trauma and callus formation on the back of the hand. The presence of this sign is often used as an indicator of bulimia nervosa, as it reflects the physical consequences of the behaviors associated with this eating disorder.

The other terms listed in the options refer to different medical signs: Heimlich sign pertains to a maneuver used in choking situations, Chvostek sign is associated with hypocalcemia and involves facial spasm when the facial nerve is tapped, and Trousseau sign is indicative of latent tetany in hypocalcemia and is demonstrated by carpal spasm when blood flow is occluded. These distinctions help to clarify why Russell sign is specifically relevant to the context of bulimia nervosa.