Question

A nurse is planning care for a client who has anorexia nervosa. The nurse should make which of the following client goals the priority?

A. Gain 2 pounds of weight per week.
B. Make positive statements about improvements in body image.
C. Feel in control of her behavior.
D. Identify changes within the family unit that promote the client's autonomy.

Answer 1

The priority goal for a client with anorexia nervosa is to gain a specified amount of weight per week (i.e., 2 pounds), as this addresses the immediate health concerns of the disorder, which primarily include severe malnutrition and being underweight.

Step-by-step explanation:

When planning care for a client with anorexia nervosa, the priority goal from the provided options should be A. Gain 2 pounds of weight per week. This goal addresses the immediate medical concern of malnutrition and underweight status. Prioritizing weight gain is critical, as clients with anorexia nervosa consistently eat very little which may lead to a plethora of negative health outcomes, including heart failure, kidney failure, bone loss, and psychological problems. Setting achievable and measurable weight goals like a 2-pound gain per week can help in the recovery process, aligning with the observation that behavioral interventions can help individuals achieve and maintain a baseline weight loss of at least 5 percent. While B, C, and D are important goals for overall recovery and healthy living, they are secondary to the medical stability and urgent physical health needs of the client.