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?
Explanation & Rationale
Reasoning: Choice A reason: Interacting in a protective fashion suggests a boundary blurring or an enmeshed relationship, which is counterproductive in treating eating disorders. Adolescents with these disorders often struggle with autonomy. Overprotection by the nurse can stifle the patient's development of self-efficacy and independence, necessitating further clinical supervision for the nurse. Choice B reason: Referring a patient to a self-help group is an appropriate nursing intervention that promotes peer support and reduces social isolation. This action demonstrates a proper understanding of the multidisciplinary approach required for eating disorder recovery and does not indicate a need for additional clinical supervision or correction. Choice C reason: Teaching the patient to recognize and intervene in their own anxiety is a core component of cognitive-behavioral nursing care. Since anxiety often drives disordered eating behaviors, this intervention empowers the patient with coping mechanisms. This reflects high-quality psychiatric nursing care rather than a need for supervisory intervention. Choice D reason: Maintaining a compassionate and nonjudgmental stance is fundamental to establishing a therapeutic alliance. Patients with eating disorders often experience intense shame and guilt. A nonjudgmental approach fosters trust and encourages the patient to be honest about their behaviors, which is a sign of competent nursing practice.