A client with an eating disorder avoids meals and snacks. What nursing intervention should the nurse implement to address this behavior?

Choice A rationale:

The statement "You should just focus on physical recovery for now." neglects the psychological aspect of the patient's condition. Eating disorders are complex and involve both physical and psychological components, so focusing solely on physical recovery is not effective.

Choice B rationale:

The statement "You need to follow the meal plan exactly as it is." might come across as rigid and lacking empathy. It doesn't address the patient's emotional struggles and distorted beliefs about food and body image.

Choice C rationale:

The statement "I understand that distorted body image can be challenging." shows empathy and acknowledges the psychological aspect of the disorder. It demonstrates that the nurse comprehends the patient's experience and is willing to provide psychological support.

Choice D rationale:

The statement "You should isolate yourself from group therapy sessions." is counterproductive. Group therapy can be highly beneficial for individuals with eating disorders, as it provides a supportive environment and helps combat the isolation often experienced by these patients.

Choice A rationale:

Stabilizing the patient's physical condition. This is the correct choice. In the treatment of anorexia nervosa, it is crucial to address the medical complications that arise from severe malnutrition and weight loss. Refeeding and restoring the patient's nutritional status are top priorities to prevent further health deterioration. This often requires a structured refeeding plan and medical monitoring to ensure gradual weight gain and avoid refeeding syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition that can occur when nutrients are reintroduced too rapidly.

Choice B rationale:

Addressing the psychological aspects of the disorder. Addressing the psychological aspects of anorexia nervosa is indeed an essential component of treatment, but it usually comes after stabilizing the patient's physical condition. The distorted body image, fear of weight gain, and other psychological factors need to be addressed in therapy and counseling during the recovery process. However, attempting to address these psychological aspects before stabilizing the patient's physical health can be challenging and less effective.

Choice C rationale:

Preventing relapse and maintaining recovery. Preventing relapse and maintaining recovery are important treatment goals in the long-term management of anorexia nervosa. However, these goals typically come into play once the patient's physical condition has been stabilized and nutritional rehabilitation has been initiated. Long-term therapy, support groups, and follow-up care are crucial to prevent relapse and maintain progress.

Choice D rationale:

Providing ongoing follow-up care. Providing ongoing follow-up care is indeed a necessary aspect of treating anorexia nervosa. After the initial stabilization and intensive treatment phase, ongoing monitoring, therapy, and medical follow-up are vital to support the patient's sustained recovery. However, just offering ongoing follow-up care without addressing the immediate medical needs and nutritional rehabilitation would not be sufficient in treating the acute phase of anorexia nervosa.