A patient referred to the eating disorders clinic has lost 15 kg during the past 3 months. To assess eating patterns, which of the following should the nurse should ask the patient?

Choice A reason: While family dynamics and meal planning are relevant to the social context of an eating disorder, this question does not provide specific data regarding the patient’s individual intake or nutritional habits. It fails to address the immediate clinical need to evaluate the patient's actual consumption patterns. Choice B reason: This open-ended question is the most effective way to elicit a detailed dietary recall. It allows the nurse to assess the quantity, variety, and frequency of food intake, as well as identify restrictive behaviors, food rituals, or avoidant patterns that are central to diagnosing and treating eating disorders. Choice C reason: Asking the patient if they feel fat assesses body image distortion, which is a diagnostic criterion for anorexia and bulimia. However, "feeling fat" is a psychological perception rather than a "pattern of eating." The nurse must distinguish between cognitive distortions and actual behavioral eating habits. Choice D reason: This question explores the patient's insight and cognitive appraisal of their current physical state. While important for understanding the patient’s motivation and degree of illness denial, it does not provide objective or descriptive data regarding the mechanical patterns of daily food and fluid ingestion.