A nurse is caring for a client who reports that they have been eliminating specific foods from their diet in order to “eat clean.” The nurse should identify that this is an indication of which of the following conditions?

Choice A Reason: Anorexia Nervosa Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image, leading to restricted food intake and excessive weight loss. Individuals with anorexia nervosa often have a relentless pursuit of thinness and may engage in extreme dieting, excessive exercise, and other behaviors to lose weight. While eliminating specific foods can be a part of anorexia nervosa, the primary focus is on weight loss and body image rather than the purity or healthiness of the food. Choice B Reason: Rumination Disorder Rumination disorder involves the repeated regurgitation of food, which may be re-chewed, re-swallowed, or spit out. This condition is more common in infants and individuals with developmental disabilities but can occur in people of all ages. The behavior is typically involuntary and not related to concerns about food purity or healthiness. Therefore, it does not align with the client’s report of eliminating specific foods to “eat clean.” Choice C Reason: Orthorexia Orthorexia is an eating disorder characterized by an obsession with eating foods that one considers healthy or pure. Individuals with orthorexia may eliminate entire food groups, such as sugars, carbohydrates, or dairy, in their quest to maintain a “clean” diet6. This condition can lead to malnutrition and social isolation due to the restrictive nature of the diet. The client’s report of eliminating specific foods to “eat clean” is a clear indication of orthorexia.