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:

Monitoring vital signs and weight. While monitoring vital signs and weight is an essential aspect of patient care, it primarily focuses on the physical health of the patient. In the case of an eating disorder, the underlying psychological and emotional issues also need attention, which is not addressed solely by monitoring vital signs and weight. The patient's emotional well-being and coping strategies are equally important in promoting overall recovery.

Choice B rationale:

Providing positive reinforcement for eating. Positive reinforcement can be helpful in encouraging desired behaviors; however, focusing solely on positive reinforcement for eating might oversimplify the complexities of treating an eating disorder. Eating disorders are often rooted in psychological factors, and addressing the underlying causes and emotions is crucial. Providing positive reinforcement might not address the emotional challenges the patient is facing, and a more comprehensive approach is needed.

Choice C rationale:

Teaching coping skills and stress management techniques. This is the correct choice. Eating disorders are often connected to emotional distress, poor body image, and stress. Teaching coping skills and stress management techniques empowers the patient to develop healthier ways of dealing with emotions and triggers that may contribute to their eating disorder. By addressing the emotional aspect, the patient is better equipped to manage their disorder and work towards recovery.

Choice D rationale:

Involving the family in the treatment process. Involving the family in the treatment process can be beneficial, as family support is important for recovery. However, it's not the most appropriate intervention on its own. Eating disorders are complex and individualized, and addressing the patient's personal coping mechanisms and emotional well-being should be the primary focus. Family involvement can be part of a comprehensive treatment plan, but it should not replace teaching the patient coping skills and stress management techniques.

Choice A rationale:

Significant weight loss or failure to achieve expected weight gain is consistent with the diagnosis of avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) ARFID is characterized by a lack of interest in eating or food, avoidance based on sensory characteristics of food, concern about the aversive consequences of eating, and avoidance of foods due to a previous negative experience. This avoidance can lead to inadequate nutrient intake and, consequently, significant weight loss or the inability to achieve expected weight gain, especially in children.

Choice B rationale:

Recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by inappropriate compensatory behaviors are not indicative of avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) This behavior is more characteristic of bulimia nervosa, which involves cycles of binge eating followed by behaviors like vomiting, laxative use, or excessive exercise to compensate for the overeating.

Choice C rationale:

Persistent eating of nonnutritive, nonfood substances is a characteristic of pica disorder, not avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) Pica involves the consumption of substances such as dirt, paint, hair, or cloth, which have no nutritional value.

Choice D rationale:

Repeated regurgitation of food is a characteristic of rumination disorder, not avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) Rumination disorder involves the regurgitation of food that is then either re-chewed, re-swallowed, or spit out, without an associated medical condition.