A patient has recently been under significant stress and worked long hours. At home, the patient watches television and eats until going to bed. The patient is too tired to exercise and has gained 25 pounds in 1 month. A desired outcome for the patient is to recognize anxiety that precedes binge eating and reduce it. Which intervention addresses the outcome
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Teach stress-reduction techniques such as relaxation and imagery. This intervention directly addresses the desired outcome of recognizing anxiety that precedes binge eating and reducing it. By teaching stress-reduction techniques, the patient can learn to identify triggers, manage stress, and reduce the likelihood of turning to binge eating. Relaxation and imagery can help the patient relax and focus on positive thoughts, thus breaking the cycle of stress-induced binge eating.
Option B is incorrect because while exercise is beneficial for overall health, it does not directly address recognizing and reducing anxiety that leads to binge eating. Option C is incorrect as feeling more in control of the environment may help, but it does not specifically target anxiety reduction related to binge eating. Option D is incorrect as attending a support group may be helpful for some aspects of recovery, but it does not focus on recognizing and reducing anxiety specifically.