A nurse is caring for a client. Which of the following client statements should the nurse identify as an indication of anorexia nervosa?

Choice A reason: Enjoying form-fitting clothes to show off one’s body suggests body confidence, not typical of anorexia nervosa, where individuals often have distorted body image and fear weight gain. This statement reflects a positive self-perception, inconsistent with the disorder’s psychological profile. Choice B reason: Spending time searching for recipes does not align with anorexia nervosa, where individuals restrict food intake due to intense fear of weight gain. This behavior suggests interest in food preparation, more associated with other eating patterns, not anorexia’s restrictive nature. Choice C reason: Claiming high energy levels contradicts anorexia nervosa, which often causes fatigue due to severe caloric restriction and malnutrition. Low energy results from depleted glycogen stores and metabolic slowdown, making this statement inconsistent with the disorder’s physiological effects. Choice D reason: Acknowledging being skinny, often with dissatisfaction, is characteristic of anorexia nervosa. Despite low body weight, individuals perceive themselves as fat due to distorted body image, driven by psychological factors and possibly serotonin dysregulation, making this statement a key indicator of the disorder.