A client with an eating disorder has a distorted body image and irrational beliefs. What therapeutic approach should the nurse use to address this issue?

Choice A rationale:

Ignoring the client's beliefs to avoid escalating distress is not a therapeutic approach. Addressing cognitive distortions and irrational beliefs is crucial in helping the client reframe their thoughts and promote healthier behaviors.

Choice B rationale:

Encouraging the client to engage in self-isolation is counterproductive. Isolation can worsen the client's condition and hinder their recovery.

Choice C rationale:

Addressing cognitive distortions and irrational beliefs is the appropriate therapeutic approach. This involves working with the client to identify and challenge negative thought patterns, helping them develop a more realistic perception of their body image and self-worth.

Choice D rationale:

Avoiding discussing body image to prevent embarrassment is not effective. Open and sensitive discussions about body image are important in the therapeutic process to help the client gain insight into their feelings and beliefs.

The correct answer is C. Lack of interest in eating or food.

Anorexia nervosa is characterized by a severe restriction of food intake due to an intense fear of gaining weight, a distorted body image, and a lack of interest in eating despite physical hunger. Individuals with anorexia often engage in extreme dieting, excessive exercise, and other behaviors to maintain an abnormally low body weight.

Here’s why the other options are incorrect:

• A. Recurrent episodes of binge eating – This is more characteristic of bulimia nervosa or binge-eating disorder, where individuals consume large amounts of food and may compensate through purging or extreme dieting.

• B. Normal or slightly above normal body weight – Individuals with anorexia nervosa typically have a low body weight (often significantly underweight due to food restriction), unlike bulimia, where weight may be in the normal or above-normal range.

• D. Repeated regurgitation of food – This is characteristic of rumination disorder, a separate condition in which individuals repeatedly bring up swallowed food without nausea or distress.