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?

Reasoning: Choice A reason: Asking the patient what they think about their weight assesses body image perception and cognitive distortion, which is important for diagnosing the type of eating disorder. However, it does not provide objective data about the patient's actual nutritional intake or specific "eating patterns" mentioned in the question. Choice B reason: This question also targets the psychological aspect of the disorder—specifically the intense fear of weight gain or distorted body perception. While crucial for a holistic assessment, it is a subjective emotional inquiry rather than a functional assessment of the patient's daily caloric intake and dietary behaviors. Choice C reason: To assess eating patterns, the nurse needs objective information about what the patient consumes. Asking for a typical day’s intake provides concrete data on food choices, portion sizes, meal frequency, and potential restriction. This is the most direct way to evaluate the nutritional status and the severity of the restriction. Choice D reason: Knowing who plans family meals can provide insight into the patient's level of control or the social environment surrounding food. However, it is a secondary piece of information that does not reveal the patient's actual consumption or the specific patterns of eating that led to a 15 kg weight loss.