The nurse is developing a care plan for a patient diagnosed with anorexia nervosa and determines that disturbed body image is the priority nursing diagnosis. Which is the most appropriate outcome criterion?

Choice A reason: Understanding maladaptive eating behaviors is important, but it does not directly address the distorted body image. This outcome is more aligned with knowledge acquisition rather than cognitive restructuring of body perception. Choice B reason: Achieving a healthy BMI is a physical goal and reflects nutritional rehabilitation. However, it does not address the psychological aspect of body image distortion, which is the focus of this nursing diagnosis. Choice C reason: Discussing feelings about eating is therapeutic but does not directly measure improvement in body image. It may support emotional processing but is not the most targeted outcome for disturbed body image. Choice D reason: Decreased preoccupation with appearance reflects a cognitive shift in how the patient views their body. This outcome directly aligns with the nursing diagnosis of disturbed body image and indicates progress in reducing obsessive thoughts about body shape and size.