A nurse is caring for a client who has anorexia nervosa. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take during the working phase of the nurse- client relationship?

A. Gathering information about the client’s “fear foods” is part of the orientation or assessment phase. During this phase, the nurse collects baseline data, assesses the client’s health status, identifies areas of concern, and begins to build trust. Although this information is important for planning interventions, it is not the focus of the working phase, which emphasizes collaboration and active problem-solving. B. Summarizing treatment goals that have been met is characteristic of the termination phase. The termination phase occurs at the end of the nurse-client relationship and focuses on reviewing progress, consolidating gains, preparing the client for independence, and providing closure. This step comes after the working phase has been completed. C. Introducing coping strategies to reduce anxiety related to eating is an important intervention but is secondary to goal-setting. In the working phase, coping strategies are implemented as part of achieving the treatment goals. Simply teaching skills without aligning them to specific, collaboratively set objectives does not fully utilize the working phase. D. The working phase is the stage in which the nurse and client actively collaborate to address identified problems and implement interventions. In clients with anorexia nervosa, this includes identifying treatment goals related to body image, eating behaviors, and coping skills. Establishing clear, individualized goals allows the client to focus on measurable outcomes, such as gradually normalizing eating patterns, reducing body dissatisfaction, and managing anxiety around food. This collaboration promotes engagement, encourages accountability, and ensures that interventions are purposeful and aligned with the client’s needs. The working phase also includes ongoing evaluation and adaptation of strategies to help the client make tangible progress toward recovery.