The nurse tells the parents of an adolescent diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, "The social worker will be contacting you to schedule a family meeting." One of the client's parents states, "Why is that necessary? Our child is the one who needs treatment." Which response by the nurse is best?

Choice A reason: This response emphasizes the therapeutic value of family involvement in the treatment of eating disorders. Family-based therapy is a well-established approach, especially for adolescents, and recognizes that family dynamics, communication patterns, and support systems significantly influence recovery. It validates the parents’ role while reinforcing that treatment is not isolated to the individual but involves the entire family unit. Choice B reason: While setting expectations for attendance may be part of program logistics, this response lacks therapeutic explanation and may come across as rigid or dismissive. It does not address the parent's concern or explain the rationale behind family involvement. Choice C reason: Promising conflict resolution may be unrealistic and could set false expectations. Family meetings are not guaranteed to resolve conflicts immediately but are intended to foster understanding, support, and collaborative care. Choice D reason: Education is a component of family sessions, but this response does not fully capture the therapeutic importance of family engagement. It may minimize the emotional and relational aspects of treatment, which are central to recovery in anorexia nervosa.