A 14-year-old teenager is hospitalized for anorexia nervosa. She is admitted to the adolescent mental health unit and placed on a behavior modification program. Nursing interventions for the teenager will most likely include:

Providing a more structured, supportive environment addresses safety and comfort needs, thereby helping the anorexic client develop more internal control. Medications (commonly antidepressants) are frequently ordered for the├ñ┬¢ÔÇ£├º┬│┬╗, but lithium (used primarily with bipolar disorder) is not commonly used to treat the anorexic client. Requiring and/or demanding that the anorexic client 'eat more' at mealtimes increases the client's feelings of powerlessness.