A client with anorexia nervosa is hospitalized. During meals, which nursing approach is most therapeutic?

For a hospitalized client with ANOREXIA NERVOSA, mealtime care includes: a SUPPORTIVE, STRUCTURED environment with consistent expectations; OBSERVING the client DURING and AFTER meals (typically remaining with them and for a period after — often ~1 hour — to prevent hiding/disposing of food, purging/vomiting, or excessive exercise); a matter-of-fact, supportive (not punitive or controlling) approach; monitoring weight (often per protocol, sometimes back-to-scale); addressing the underlying psychological issues with the treatment team. NCLEX psychosocial/eating disorders. AVOID power struggles, excessive focus/comments on each bite (food becomes a control battleground), and leaving the client unobserved (allows compensatory behaviors). Refeeding must be gradual (refeeding syndrome risk). Knowing structured, observed, supportive mealtime care for anorexia is a commonly tested NCLEX concept.