A nurse provides care for an adolescent patient diagnosed with an eating disorder. Which behaviour by this nurse indicates that additional clinical supervision is needed?

Choice A reason: Teaching the patient to recognize signs of increasing anxiety and providing intervention strategies is a standard therapeutic nursing action. It empowers the adolescent to develop healthy coping mechanisms and self-regulation skills, which are essential for long-term recovery from eating disorders often linked to underlying emotional distress and anxiety. Choice B reason: Compassionate and nonjudgmental communication is a fundamental requirement of a therapeutic nurse-client relationship. In the context of eating disorders, where patients often experience high levels of shame and guilt, such an approach fosters trust and encourages the patient to engage more openly in the treatment process. Choice C reason: Interacting in a protective fashion suggests a lack of professional boundaries and the development of countertransference. Over-involvement or "mothering" can hinder the adolescent's development of autonomy and self-reliance. This behavior signals that the nurse requires clinical supervision to maintain objective, professional, and therapeutic boundaries during care. Choice D reason: Referral to a self-help group is an appropriate nursing intervention for social support and peer validation. Such groups provide a sense of community and shared experience, which can be a valuable adjunct to clinical treatment, helping the patient realize they are not alone in their struggle.