The nurse is developing a plan of care for the client newly diagnosed with anorexia nervosa who is receiving inpatient treatment. According to the client needs, prioritize the outcomes from most urgent to least urgent.

The correct answer is: A. Stabilize fluid, electrolyte levels, address dysrhythmia B. Initiate adequate calories for age, height and metabolic need C. Develop more effective coping skills to deal with anxiety D. Verbalizes body shape and weight as normal and acceptable Stabilize fluid, electrolyte levels, address dysrhythmia: This is the most urgent priority because imbalances in fluids and electrolytes, as well as dysrhythmias, can be life-threatening. Immediate medical intervention is necessary to stabilize the patient’s condition and prevent serious complications. Initiate adequate calories for age, height and metabolic need: Once the patient’s immediate medical needs are addressed, the next priority is to ensure they receive adequate nutrition. This step is crucial for weight restoration and overall health improvement, which are essential for recovery from anorexia nervosa. Develop more effective coping skills to deal with anxiety: After addressing the physical health concerns, the focus can shift to psychological aspects. Developing coping skills to manage anxiety is important for long-term recovery and preventing relapse. Anxiety often underlies eating disorders, so addressing it is key to comprehensive treatment. Verbalizes body shape and weight as normal and acceptable: This outcome is important for the patient’s self-perception and long-term recovery. However, it is the least urgent compared to the immediate medical and nutritional needs. It can be addressed once the patient is medically stable and has begun to develop coping mechanisms.