A nurse conducting group therapy on the eating disorders unit schedules the sessions immediately after meals for the primary purpose of:
a. maintaining patients' concentration and attention.
b. shifting the patients' focus from food to psychotherapy.
c. promoting processing of anxiety associated with eating.
d. focusing on weight control mechanisms and food preparation.
Answer: C
Eating produces high anxiety for patients with eating disorders. Anxiety levels must be lowered if the patient is to be successful in attaining therapeutic goals. Shifting the patients' focus from food to psychotherapy and focusing on weight control mechanisms and food preparation are not desirable.