Final answer:
A short-term goal to enhance physical fitness in an adolescent with anorexia nervosa is to strategically increase caloric intake and introduce balanced exercise, guiding them towards normal eating habits and a healthier weight.
Step-by-step explanation:
A short-term goal for an adolescent client with anorexia nervosa would focus on immediate health concerns and act as a stepping stone towards long-term recovery. The aim in this context would be to enhance physical fitness by carefully increasing the client's caloric intake to support their metabolism and gradually introduce a balanced exercise regime. This helps to address the malnutrition and potential muscle wasting that often accompany anorexia, while also facilitating a more positive relationship with food and exercise.
Given that about 50 to 85 percent of people with eating disorders recover with treatment, establishing attainable goals like improving physical fitness is integral. Professionals must ensure any information the client encounters is from reliable sources, avoiding pro-anorexia content that could derail recovery. Overall, the objective is to help the adolescent adopt normal eating habits and move towards a healthier weight, aligned with controlled and supportive nutritional and fitness plans that mitigate the risk of relapse.