A client with a history of anxiety and depression presents to the emergency department with a headache, nausea, and vomiting. The client's vital signs are temperature 100.9°F (38.3°C), heart rate 115 beats/minute, respirations 21 breaths/minute, and blood pressure 216/108 mm Hg. When reviewing the client's medications, which information is of most concern to the nurse?

A. The client will eat nutritious meals in the hospital cafeteria.
While eating nutritious meals is essential for the physical recovery of the adolescent, improving self-esteem is the highest priority in the treatment of anorexia nervosa. A negative body image and poor self-esteem are central to the disorder, and addressing these underlying psychological factors can foster more effective long-term recovery. Although ensuring the client eats is important, achieving a positive self-image is fundamental for encouraging healthier eating behaviors and overall recovery.

B. The client will verbalize feelings of a positive self-esteem.
This goal is the most appropriate because it targets the core psychological issues that contribute to anorexia nervosa, such as distorted body image and low self-worth. Enhancing the client’s self-esteem can improve their willingness to engage in healthier behaviors, including eating, which directly supports both the physical and emotional aspects of recovery. Verbalizing positive self-esteem is a key step in addressing the psychological distortions that drive the disorder.

C. The family will communicate their love and concern to the client.
While family support is vital to the recovery process, the priority should be on the adolescent’s internal psychological healing. Family communication is important for creating a supportive environment, but it is secondary to addressing the client’s self-esteem and the immediate needs of recovery from anorexia nervosa.

D. The entire family will attend family therapy sessions regularly.
Family therapy is important, but it is not the highest priority in the acute phase of treatment. In the beginning stages of treatment, the focus should be on addressing the adolescent’s psychological and nutritional needs. Family therapy can be integrated later in the treatment plan once the client’s basic physical and emotional health are stabilized.

Choice A rationale: "If your partner is abusing you, I need to ask these questions" may be too direct and could potentially make the client feel pressured or uncomfortable. The nurse should emphasize the routine nature of the screening.

Choice B rationale: "The healthcare provider needs to know if you are experiencing any domestic abuse" is correct but may sound directive. Emphasizing the routine nature of the screening helps to normalize the process.

Choice C rationale: "All clients are screened for domestic abuse because it is common in our society" is the best choice. It normalizes the screening process, reducing stigma and encouraging disclosure.

Choice D rationale: "State law mandates that I ask if you are a victim of domestic violence" may make the client feel compelled to answer due to legal reasons, potentially affecting the validity of the response. Emphasizing routine screening is a more patient centered approach.