Initiating caloric and nutritional therapy as ordered -rationale: the client with anorexia nervosa is at risk for death from self-starvation. therefore, initiating caloric and nutritional therapy takes highest priority. behavioral modification (in which client privileges depend on weight gain) and psychoanalysis (which addresses the clients low self-esteem, guilt, anxiety, and feelings of hopelessness and depression) are important aspects of care but are secondary to stabilizing the clients physical condition. monitoring vital signs and weight is important in evaluating nutritional therapy but doesnt take precedence over providing adequate caloric intake to ensure survival
